title: Key performance measures to control maintenance-associated HAIs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this paper is to improve overall healthcare maintenance (HM) service performance in NHS infection control (IC). Hence, the authors identify critical success factors (CSFs) and key performance measures in maintenance-associated infections. These infections occur because of the poor performance of HM service in IC.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the first Delphi exercise, complete CSFs and performance measures were presented to the Delphi participants for refinement and modification. Delphi round 1 data were analysed manually and used to refine the rounds 2 and 3 Delphi instruments. In subsequent Delphi rounds, the results were analysed through descriptive statistics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, eight CSFs and 53 key performance measures were identified for reducing maintenance-associated infections in hospitals. For example, establishing clear communication between the infection control team (ICT) and HM unit is important for preventing maintenance-associated HAIs. Dust prevention is also identified by the healthcare experts as an important measure to prevent maintenance-associated HAIs in high-risk patient areas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings provide CSFs and key performance measures for measuring performance in HM in IC. Reducing the rate of maintenance-associated infections will have important socio-economic and health ramifications for hospitals. It will reduce cost and free up additional resources for alternative projects. It will also raise confidence among healthcare users about the quality of services provided by hospitals.
authors.affiliation: Grenfell-Baines School of Architecture, Construction and Environment, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK.
authors.forename: Stanley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Njuangang
authors.forename: Champika
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liyanage
authors.forename: Akintola
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Akintoye
mesh_terms: D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003697:Delphi Technique; D004739:England; D006761:Hospitals; D006797:Housekeeping, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D008284:Maintenance and Engineering, Hospital; D013222:State Medicine
keywords: Critical success factors; Delphi; HAIs; Infection control; Maintenance; National health service; Performance measures