Industry Collaboration - Game Changer in Healthcare Cleaning and Infection Control

In today's healthcare landscape, the role of meticulous surface cleaning and disinfection has never been more crucial in preventing and controlling infections. The importance of a united front between Infection Control and General Services Teams fight against healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is becoming a more significant and obvious need. In Australia, as elsewhere around the globe, integrating stringent disinfection protocols into a holistic Infection Control and Cleaning Management plan is only the first step. Teams working together and exploring the real needs within their healthcare facility can bring practical and achievable change that benefits all groups involved.

Challenges

A pressing challenge within Australian healthcare facilities is managing the risk and prevalence of HAIs, exacerbated by inadequate cleaning and disinfection practices. We know the risk of an outbreak, so staying on top of the latest information and training available is crucial for both Infection Control and Cleaning Teams. You cannot train one and not other without harming the overall best practice of a facility.

The industry has been in overdrive with information about infection control and despite advancement in disinfection technologies, robotic cleaning systems, and the application of environmentally friendly cleaning agents, their adoption is often slowed by organisational, regulatory, and financial barriers. How you find the correct source of information and product offerings is key to maintaining high standards of infection control.

Another major issue is the need for skilled, motivated, and properly managed cleaning teams. The shortage of such staff can be exacerbated by the absence of clear career progression paths and professional development opportunities cleaning teams. Without dedicated and trained personnel, the effectiveness of cleaning protocols and the introduction of new technologies become limited, undermining efforts to fight HAIs and ensure the safety of patients, staff, and visitors.

Collaboration as the Key to Solutions

Collaboration between Infection Control and Environmental Service disciplines is finally addressing cleaning and infection control issues in healthcare facilities. Open discussions within teams, interdisciplinary approaches, and interactions between healthcare workers and industry experts facilitate:

• Knowledge sharing: The exchange of information and experience between infection control specialists and support services leads to not only increased education on subjects, but it offers the chance for ideas to be brought to the table. Teams that carry the load themselves without integration within their facilities limit the opportunity of better cleaning methods and protocols across different healthcare areas.

• Focus on high-risk areas: Do your teams know what areas are important to keep hygienically clean and how to manage those critical areas? Keeping your teams aware of the risks not only to patients or residents, but to themselves or their team members should be a high priority. Ensuring there is a system in place to alert staff quickly and effectively will reduce risks of HAI’s spreading through a facility.

• Continuous improvement & Education: Ongoing interaction between cleaning and infection control teams allows for regular monitoring, feedback, and adjustment of cleaning methods. Are there professional development programs in place that keep your cleaning staff engaged and motivated, and do they feel like an important part of overall success of your infection control program?

Platforms for Collaboration and Networking

For these collaborative efforts to be effective, platforms that facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences are essential. Professional conferences and seminars, such as the iClean 2024 event in Australia, serve as crucial meeting grounds for experts in infection control, healthcare cleaning, research, and technology. These gatherings offer opportunities for networking, idea exchange, and the dissemination of best practices in the field of healthcare cleaning and infection control, making them invaluable for professionals seeking to enhance their impact on public health.

iClean 2024 represents a premier opportunity for professionals in the field to engage with the latest in cleaning and infection control strategies, ensuring they are at the forefront of efforts to safeguard healthcare environments against the spread of infections.

Register now for the iClean Conference 2024 and be part of this groundbreaking event in healthcare cleaning and infection control.

Conference Dates:

March 12th - Brisbane
March 13th - Sydney
March 15th - Adelaide
March 19th - Perth
March 21st - Melbourne

Past Attendee Feedback

The conference was amazingly well run. Plenty of opportunities to ask questions. The speakers were world leaders and very informative.

- Elizabeth, Greengate Aged Care

The Conference highlight was being able to access international, science-backed information from experts in their field. When training I need to be able to present information that is truthful and based on validated information. The staff was another highlight. Everyone I dealt with was fantastic, professional, and just lovely.

- Bronwyn McLaws, HITsa Training and Employment

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to all of the guest speakers they had lots of great information and advice to help improve our Environmental Services Team.

- Jenelle East, Casterton Hospital

Outstanding conference. I thought everything from the speakers to the conference expo was excellent.

- Teena Russell, ACT Health

Fantastic conference, very informative and accessible for everyone.

- Theresa Walker, Jacaranda Village