Campbell County Health has added another weapon to its arsenal to help
protect patients from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). HAIs are
infections that patients contract while in a health care environment,
that was neither present nor developing when original treatment began.
HAIs can be caused by a number of bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites
and are the most common form of preventable hospital complication, affecting
millions each year. Washing hands, cleaning all surfaces and sterilizing
instruments are the best practices to preventing these infections.
The
Tru-D SmartUVC disinfecting robot delivers an automated, measured dose of ultraviolet
light (UVC) to consistently disinfect a room from a single position, eliminating
human error and documenting disinfection results for each cycle.
Using an iPad outside the room, staff turns on Tru-D remotely and begins
a single disinfection cycle. The robot is able to compensate for room
variables such as size, shape and contents to deliver the precise dose
of UV energy needed throughout the entire room. It takes 15-35 minutes
to complete a thorough room disinfection cycle. Tru-D automatically shuts
down and notifies the operator via audio and/or text message that the
disinfection cycle is complete.
Campbell County Memorial Hospital
Surgical Services Director
Sheryl James and Infection Prevention Director Veronica Taylor saw the equipment at
their respective national conferences, and realized its potential to add
another layer of protection to prevent transmission of infection from
patient to patient.
In addition to the normal cleaning practices for every patient discharge,
Tru-D is used in
Med/Surg and
ICU after discharge if the patient had influenza, RSV, C-diff, or other contact
or droplet infections. Tru-D is also used in the operating rooms as part
of the terminal cleaning process. As of April 6, 2018, Tru-D had been
used 126 times to disinfect patient care areas in
CCMH.
“Tru-D is one way we are raising the bar when it comes to the level
of care we provide to all patients,” said Sheryl James.
“Yes, this equipment was expensive,” said Veronica Taylor.
“But that cost can be balanced out when you consider the cost of
a healthcare-acquired infection, both to the patient and the organization.”