Disposable versus reusable linen: back to the future.
Decisions regarding health care practices and technology are never static. As new information becomes available, and internal and external forces shift, new decisions may have to be made. Such is the decision regarding reusable versus disposable linen. Until very recently, reusable linens were not comparable with disposable linen in the quality characteristics that directly impact patient and staff safety and health. Given the current test results on the latest generation of reusable fabrics, it is time to go back to reconsider this decision for the future.
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D001512:Bedding and Linens / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004209:Disposable Equipment / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006746:Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over; D006801:Humans; D008421:Materials Management, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000191:economics; D015144:Southeastern United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology