Surfaces Matter a Review of the Complex Issues and Challenges of An Overlooked Issue
11:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. - Chapter business
11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. - Chat-room based networking
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Program
Research has shown that surfaces are fomites, “inanimate objects likely to carry microbes that cause deadly infections.” In this session participants will gain a high-level overview of the way’s surfaces support acquisition and transmission of pathogens that cause deadly infections. As well as an overview of the HSI literature review findings and a lack of of guidelines and testing requirements for validation that materials are compatible with EPA registered disinfectants.
Specification of surfaces is a critical component of any effective infection prevention protocol and process. To achieve this a clear understanding of the issues and the real-life challenges is important. Guidelines that support specifiers during the specification process will be discussed.
Learning objectives:
- Empower specification experts to evaluate and verify validation of instructions for use (IFU’s) and Care and Maintenance recommendations
- Locate and clearly identify manufacturer warnings before specifying surfaces and products
- Discuss the gaps and inconsistencies between real life scenarios and current test methods
Speaker:
Linda Lybert
Founder/Executive Director - Healthcare Surfaces Institute Inc.
This course has been submitted to AIA CES for continuing professional education and is pending final approval of credits.