Evaluating environment cleanliness using two approaches : A multi-centred Australian study

Introduction: A standardised approach to evaluating environmental cleanliness is important to ensure consistency of assessor training, allow benchmarking of results between facilities, ensure consistency of the assessment of the environment and assist in meeting national accreditation standards. This paper describes the development process and the findings of the first 12 months of data following the introduction of a standardised program for evaluating environmental cleanliness within Tasmanian healthcare facilities using two different evaluation methods. Methods: Evaluation of environmental cleanliness was undertaken as part of a structured program and involved the use of an ultraviolet solution and fluorescent light in addition to a visual assessment. Twelve Tasmanian hospitals participated in this study. Results: A total of 290 fluorescent light assessments and 232 visual inspections were conducted. Using the fluorescent light assessment, the percentage of correctly cleaned items increased from a baseline of 82.3% to 85.4% overthe 12-month study period. Using the visual assessment, 92.5% ofitems were deemed acceptable during the study period. Conclusions: Our multi-centred study identified a high baseline level of cleanliness using a fluorescent light. We identified that objects were frequently deemed to be visually acceptable, yet may not have been cleaned. The project was supported by a range of online tools for data submission, training tools and a formal assessment of auditors.