title: Using microfiber and steam technology to improve cleaning outcomes in an intensive care unit.
abstract: The use of microfiber and steam technology may be seen as a novel cleaning method that can improve the outcome of cleaning. We describe its use in an intensive care setting, its impact on vancomycin-resistant enterococci acquisition, and the importance of ensuring adequate education of cleaning staff. Such new methods can have a significant impact on the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms, provided systems are in place to ensure that the methodology is adhered to and that cleaning hours are adequate.
authors: Infection Control and Epidemiology Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia. Electronic address: elizabeth.gillespie@monashhealth.org.
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Gillespie
authors: Infection Control and Epidemiology Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
authors: Natalie
authors: N
authors: Williams
authors: Infection Control and Epidemiology Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
authors: Tracy
authors: T
authors: Sloane
authors: Infection Control and Epidemiology Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
authors: Louise
authors: L
authors: Wright
authors: Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
authors: Despina
authors: D
authors: Kotsanas
authors: Infection Control and Epidemiology Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, Monash University, VIC, Australia.
authors: Rhonda L
authors: RL
authors: Stuart
mesh_terms: D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D006797:Housekeeping, Hospital / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000592:standards*; D013227:Steam; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D013227:Steam
keywords: Environmental cleaning; Microfiber and steam technology; Vancomycin-resistant enterococci transmission