Once upon a time, surgeons at hospitals measured their success by how much dried blood they had collected on their white coats and hand washing was certainly not a main concern.
Obviously, infection control standards at healthcare facilities have changed drastically since those early days. And while hand washing and clean scrubs are certainly critical elements for a complete infection control protocol, new technologies mean even more effective options for keeping patients and staff safe.
As a facilities manager, you may want to improve infection control through the use of new technology like UV disinfection or portable dust containment. But how do you get approval?
Keep reading for tips on getting buy-in for your infection control technology investment.
Start Early
In a healthcare setting, infection control and prevention is an ongoing process. The fact that you need to invest in new technology may not become apparent all at once, but once you are ready to commit, do not wait to get buy-in from the approvers at your facility. Choose the infection control technology that will make a measurable impact and start sending it up the ladder as soon as makes sense.
Find a Clinical Champion
Infection control technology is only a worthwhile investment when it is put into use correctly and consistently. While cleaning staff and facilities workers will be putting most infection control technology to use, it is only with backing from clinical staff that its implementation will be successful. As a facilities manager considering a major purchase in the realm of infection control, it is important to have the explicit support of clinicians, particularly your infection prevention specialist. When it comes to new investments in healthcare technology, the Harvard Business Review notes that a clinical champion “should actively reach out to promote the tool, demonstrating its use and educating people about its expected benefits.”
Take Data to the Top
While not every facility will have the same purchasing process, investments like portable dust containment carts or Far-UV Sterilray™ technology will most likely need approval from the C-suite. The bottom line is always a key consideration for these types of investments, so it is critical that a facilities manager be able to demonstrate not just the cost of the technology or the benefits in terms of pathogens killed, but also the potential cost savings. With improved infection control protocol, facilities can reduce the incidence of HAIs and costs associated with caring for patients that develop them. Further, the fewer infections transmitted, the lower the likelihood of readmission, which can be a major drain on resources when it comes to Medicare patients.
Not quite ready to invest? Learn more about the importance of infection control for facilities managers in our Complete Guide to Infection Control for Facilities Managers.
