Surfaces Matter™
A BLOG BY THE HEALTHCARE SURFACES INSTITUTE, a division of ISSA
Learn about the latest challenges and solutions addressing the spread of surface-related infections in healthcare environments
Featured Article
Revolutionizing Cleanability in Healthcare: The Power of Collaborative Focus Groups for Effective Solutions
Everything begins with design—whether the design of the built environment or of the products used for patient care—critical decisions made during this phase, in particular.
Recent Articles
How Inconsistent IFUs Can Lead to Regulatory Fines and Patient Safety Risks
The responsibility to efficiently and effectively clean and disinfect healthcare facilities to support patient safety and reduce healthcare-acquired infections is a top priority.
Healthcare Surfaces Institute Merges with ISSA
ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, and the Healthcare Surfaces Institute™ (HSI) are pleased to announce that HSI has merged with ISSA.
Understanding Hurdles To Successful Cleaning and Disinfection Following IFUs
There are raw material IFUs; assemblies of multiple materials on one product have individual IFUs. Now, consider the multitude of medical devices and environmental surface materials in a single room or area. It is rare for any of these IFUs to align, adding to the task’s complexity.
Participate in an HSI Research Survey on IFUs
This data will be instrumental in supporting necessary changes in the way manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs) are written and enforced. Your participation will contribute to our advocacy for critical changes that enhance clarity and effectiveness in healthcare practices. Take the survey now…
Disinfectant Compatibility Testing Clarifies Need For Better IFUs
In many cases, equipment damage or malfunction stems from disinfectant incompatibility or misuse. Failing to adhere to IFUs regarding concentration or contact time is often to blame. However, even strict adherence to IFUs may not prevent equipment damage due to disinfectant incompatibility. This puts healthcare facilities in a difficult position.
Why Surface Materials Matter in Health Care Settings
A new eye-opening, peer-reviewed article in the American Society for Microbiology by HSI Executive Director Linda Lybert and HSI Scientific Advisory Board member Dr. Rodney Rohde: “A healing environment can’t be achieved unless it can be effectively cleaned and disinfected. So how do we move this needle?”
It’s Time to Stop Ignoring the Root Causes That Support HAIs
Looking at recent headlines, the same old news is here again – HAIs and AMR are increasing and nothing new is being done. By failing to address the root causes, we hinder effective solutions to this problem. HSI has identified these issues and we are shining a spotlight on them!
Beyond Disinfection: Unraveling the Complexity of HAIs and Surface Contamination
For centuries, it has been believed that cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilization is the silver bullet that will reduce infection rates. Data shows an entirely different story. Join our panelists January 24, 2024 for a live discussion on multi-modal solutions to the multi-modal issues that contribute to HAIs.
Collaboration in Material Compatibility in Healthcare is Just Good Business
Material compatibility with disinfectants provides significant financial benefits to hospitals, equipment manufacturers, and disinfectant providers and is essential in reducing healthcare-associated infections.
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