The Changing Role of the Healthcare Environment

Authors

Amber H. Mitchell, International Safety CenterFollow
Rodney E. Rohde, Texas State UniversityFollow
Pat Tille, South Dakota State UniversityFollow
Julie Reagan, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow
Marilyn Felkner, Texas Department of State Health ServicesFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2016

Publication Title

Clinical Laboratory Science

DOI

10.29074/ascls.29.1.44

ISSN

1945-3574

Abstract

The role of the healthcare environment and its contribution to acquisition and transfer of microorganisms that cause infection and illness in both patients and healthcare workers is not by any means straightforward. Considerations include potential contamination of hard surfaces like desks, sinks, beds, light switches, carts, walls, and floors, as well as porous surfaces like wheelchairs, bedding, linen, curtains, and upholstery. Historically the focus on managing the role of environmental variables was considered less critical because we knew less about the impact those surfaces had in infection prevention.

Recommended Citation

Mitchell, Amber H., Rodney E. Rohde, Pat Tille, Julie Reagan, Marilyn Felkner. 2016. "The Changing Role of the Healthcare Environment." Clinical Laboratory Science, 29 (1): 44-48. doi: 10.29074/ascls.29.1.44
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/health-policy-facpubs/172