 |
 |
|
MARCH 2020
Information is Power
As a leading proponent of safe and healthy environments, we at The Center for Health Design feel a special obligation to our members, partners, industry colleagues and the broader community at large during these challenging times.
Like all organizations, we are closely monitoring the rapidly-changing landscape so that we can make appropriate adjustments to our planned events and communicate updates in a timely fashion. We know that everyone is experiencing heightened levels of concern and stress – we’ll do our best to minimize them.
To help you address near-term needs within your own organization, as well as to better inform plans and projects you are creating now and in the future, we are opening up for free access our online Infection Control Toolbox.
While these resources were created to help minimize the impact of infections and transmittable dieseases in healthcare facilities, much of the research and guidance is relevant and useful in any built environment.
We hope you find these resources informative and helpful as you navigate these uncertain days, and that you and yours remain in good health.
Be well,
Debra Levin, Hon. FASID, EDAC
President and CEO
|
|
FREE TOOLBOX ACCESS
|
|
Infection Control Resources
Normally available only through paid Affiliate+ membership, our Infection Control toolbox contains a carefully created and curated selection of evidence-based strategies, tools and best practices, among other resources, with an emphasis on hand hygiene, contact transmission, surface cleaning and other topics relevant to the current coronavirus situation.
In addition, our always-open-access Knowledge Repository contains over 600 resources – Key Point Summaries, articles and research citations – that can support your efforts to integrate more infection control strategies and solutions into your built environment designs.
Access the toolbox.
|
|
|
|
Free Tools & Resources
|
|
Infection Prevention Matters: Cleaning Methods and Surface Selection
Take surface maintenance and cleaning into account when considering the design of surfaces and selecting materials! We can help guide you. We'll help you understand the context of the assembly of different adjacent surfaces and materials (e.g., where crevices between surfaces may trap dirt, or where different materials next to one another require different cleaning methods), as well as product limitations (material characteristics) and cost implications. Our tool provides an overview of cleaning mechanisms and material characteristics, to help get you started in making evidence-based decisions for materials selection and specification.
 |
|
|
Upcoming Events
|
|
Make Sure to Get These Events on Your Calendar
3/20, EDAC Exam Online Study Session
4/16, Webinar: Forget Me Not: My Experience Living with Dementia
4/25 - 28, Environments for Aging Expo & Conference
5/21, Behavioral Health Strategic Design Workshop, Los Angeles
9/16, Pediatric Strategic Design Workshop, Philadephia
9/23, Behavioral Health Strategic Design Workshop, Baltimore
9/24, Design for Aging Workshop, Baltimore
|
|
|
Classic Resources
|
|
Issue Brief: Clean Hands Saves Lives: A Systems Approach to Improving Hand Hygiene
and hygiene is the single most important component of healthcare-associated infection prevention. Many such infections are now linked to healthcare provider reimbursement in the United States. However, maintaining and improving hand hygiene compliance has been an ongoing battle despite efforts on facility, organizational, national, and international levels.
Take your Infection Prevention Team to the Next Level
Many times, organizations have a lone infection preventionist review specific project design decisions. Our tool, "Infection Prevention Teams: Engaging Interdisciplinary Experts" suggests what stakeholders might be included, detailing role and responsibilities to guide a more comprehensive approach. Take the next step to up your game!
|
|
|
 |
|
Effectively Fighting HAIs Using an Integrated Bundled Approach
|
|
Over the past decade, there have been significant advancements in the ongoing battle against healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). We have seen new products and practices, including automated “no-touch” technologies, such as ultraviolet (UVC) light and vaporized hydrogen peroxide, as well as continuous room decontamination methods such as continuously active disinfectants and self-disinfecting surfaces.
Infection Control Today, read more...
|
|
|
Prevention Beyond PPE: The Importance of Environmental Hygiene to Prevent Spread of Illnesses
|
|
The outbreak of COVID-19 has been a wake-up call for public health and healthcare officials alike. This respiratory disease, caused by a coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is a reminder of the importance of infection prevention efforts and the need for continued vigilance.
While the overall risk for contracting COVID-19 in the United States is low, it’s important to not discount that this current influenza season is quite severe, and that flu is a much more likely threat. Attention has mostly been focused on this new outbreak, but millions of Americans have already been battling respiratory illnesses and influenza for weeks.
Health Facilities Today, read more...
|
|
|
Keeping Your Healthcare Facility Safe
|
|
Every day, healthcare facility managers perform a balancing act between safety, comfort and efficiency. Patients need a comfortable place to heal, staff need an efficient work environment, and both require a safe space to achieve these outcomes. Budget restraints and making do with existing solutions shouldn’t get in the way of these priorities. Fortunately, there are steps healthcare facility managers can take to enhance safety while also creating a smarter, comfortable, more efficient environment.
Healthcare Facilities Today, read more...
|
|
|
2020 Healthcare Design Trends
|
|
You may recall the book, If Disney Ran Your Hospital, by Fred Lee. Years ago, healthcare leaders became aware that patients compare satisfaction scores and online reviews against all service industries, not just other healthcare organizations. To maintain market share, patient satisfaction quickly made its way to the top of the priority list.
Healthcare Facilities Today, read more...
|
|
 |
|
PARTNER
The Center for Health Design would like to thank our thought leadership partner:
ABOUT US
The Center for Health Design is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is to transform healthcare environments for a healthier, safer world through design research, education and advocacy. Learn more. For information about sponsor or partnership opportunities, contact our VP of Relationship Development, Randy Carter.
|
|
|
