Multidisciplinary Environment of Care Rounds: Findings the Infection Control Professional Can Use in Daily Practice

ISSUE: Professionals responsible for infection control and prevention all know principle goals for infection prevention programs are to protect the patient, healthcare worker, and visitor in the healthcare environment. Environment of Care (EOC) teams have always participated in the above. Typically, a team rounds with or without the department manager and reports the findings to “someone.” The EOC team members at our level-I trauma facility recognized the inefficiencies of EOC rounds, feeling the same issues were identified repeatedly. Team members felt they impacted patient and healthcare worker safety very little. PROJECT: A new model was developed, beginning with a rounding template listing the items assessed during rounds along with the regulatory standard and rationale. This serves as an educational tool for the staff as well. Deficiencies are entered into a database, and a compliance score is calculated. If the department does not meet the established threshold, an action plan must be submitted. An aggregate report is generated, giving a snapshot of the organizational EOC assessment. This data has been useful for the infection control professional performing surveillance. RESULTS: EOC team findings now pass through several administrative committees including the hospital governing board. What has resulted with the new and improved rounds? We now have isolation/personal protective equipment (PPE) stations at every critical care bed, improved linen cart covers, new refrigerator thermometers, and a “who cleans what” plan from environmental services. LESSONS LEARNED: Using consistent methodology and criteria to assess the EOC has enabled the EOC team members to get support and supplies needed to accomplish the above goals.