Continuous Cleaning of Hightouch Surfaces for Veteran and Employee Safety
Last updated
Share PrintIt is estimated that 1 to 3 million serious infections occur every year in nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities. In an effort to further protect Veterans and VA employees, we've implemented innovative solutions to supplement episodic cleaning.
Origin:
April 2021, H. John Heinz III Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Adoptions:
1 successful
Partners:
Diffusion of Excellence, VHA Innovators Network
Recent Updates
Overview
The problem
A strong link between contamination of environmental surfaces in healthcare settings, especially surfaces that are most often touched (i.e. over the bed tables, keyboards, etc.), and incidence of hospital acquired infections (HAIs) is well-documented. Studies published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have shown that HAIs attribute gre
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A strong link between contamination of environmental surfaces in healthcare settings, especially surfaces that are most often touched (i.e. over the bed tables, keyboards, etc.), and incidence of hospital acquired infections (HAIs) is well-documented. Studies published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have shown that HAIs attribute greater than $10 billion annually of direct medical expenses to U.S. patients, including Veterans. Long-term care facilities are part of this challenge. It is estimated that 1 to 3 million serious infections occur every year in nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities. Surfaces are typically wiped down once per day manually; however, this acts only in the moment and provides no lasting effect. The moment another patient, employee, or visitor enters the cleansed space the surfaces will be recontaminated and will remain contaminated until the next cleaning. With the established link between environmental contamination and HAIs, these episodic cleaning mechanisms fall far short of filling the apparent need.
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The solution
AIONX® Antimicrobial Technologies, Inc. (“AIONX®”) has developed a unique technology, cleanSURFACES®, that continuously inhibits colonization of pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, on environmental surfaces on which it is deployed. cleanSURFACES® harness the inherent antimicrobial properties of silver and copper optimizing them via a micro-electric current to t
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AIONX® Antimicrobial Technologies, Inc. (“AIONX®”) has developed a unique technology, cleanSURFACES®, that continuously inhibits colonization of pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, on environmental surfaces on which it is deployed. cleanSURFACES® harness the inherent antimicrobial properties of silver and copper optimizing them via a micro-electric current to their ionic states. This forced ionization releases the proper concentrations of the metal ions, creating a toxic environment for pathogenic organisms while remaining low enough to remain harmless to human cells. Additionally, the proprietary design of cleanSURFACES® creates an open circuit with a silver/copper embedded paste. This open circuit closes when pathogens, respiratory droplets, or other objects come into contact with the surface, allowing the electrical current to flow. When in its “open” state, electricity is not flowing, thereby preserving battery capacity and prolonging the product’s life. These surfaces remain in place, continuously cleaning themselves, to prevent colonization and surface contamination.
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The results
Microbial richness was significantly reduced after cleanSURFACES® intervention (Wilcoxon test with Holm correction, p=0.000179 ). Beta diversity results revealed distinct clustering between baseline and post-intervention samples. Reduction in bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, S. hominis) and fungal (Malassezia restricta, Candida albicans, C.
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Microbial richness was significantly reduced after cleanSURFACES® intervention (Wilcoxon test with Holm correction, p=0.000179 ). Beta diversity results revealed distinct clustering between baseline and post-intervention samples. Reduction in bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, S. hominis) and fungal (Malassezia restricta, Candida albicans, C. glabrata, and C. orthopsilosis) expression of opportunistic pathogens was observed. Additionally, a subset of taxa (Cornybacterium, Cutibacterium acnes, and Ralstonia pickettii) was present in specific post-intervention timepoints and surface types. This study revealed a decreased microbial activity, highlighting the potential for the combined application of cleanSURFACES® and regular decontamination practices to reduce the prevalence of microbes causing HAIs.
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Diffusion tracker
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Multimedia
Images
Above:
Nurse using cleanSURFACES® technology
Above:
cleanSURFACES® set up at a computer station
Implementation
Timeline
-
30 Days
Proposal of implementation to facility leadership and local approvals (may include clinical product review committee) -
30 Days
Survey of wards which CleanSURFACES will be installed for quantity needed. Complete order for product through approved source. -
3-5 Days
Install product on units. Complete education for unit staff about product.Product has a battery life of 60 days then will need replaced.Vendor does offer recycling discount.
Departments
- Nursing services
- Administration
- Logistics
- Housekeeping
About
Original team
Jamie Vaughn
Associate Chief Nurse, Community Living Center
Lisa McDade
Nurse Manager
Anne Bailey
Emerging Tech Clinical Specialist
Katie Braun
Innovation Specialist
Seth Zimmerman
Chief Operating Officer, AIONX
Jess Bess
Senior Clinical Specialist, AIONX
Comment
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