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Infection control study calls for centralised AAD guidelines
Automated Area Decontamination is “under-represented” in many European infection control guidelines according to a study from two leading experts.
Dr. Nicola Petrosillo, Director, 2nd Infectious Diseases Division National Institute for Infectious Diseases, and Antje Emmermann, Market Access Director EMEA Advanced Sterilization Products, reviewed literary guidelines into infection control and preventing HAIs across Europe.
They found that many infection control guidelines with a wider influence across Europe and beyond “either do not acknowledge AAD or acknowledge it without specific recommendations.”
Despite evidence that hydrogen peroxide automated decontamination methods are more effective than manual decontamination, for which there are specific guidelines, individual case studies and independent reviews need to be carried out to provide local proof – a costly task for hospitals. Petrosillo and Emmermann argue that this expense could be reduced if clear guidelines that align with the evidence existed.
Their report said: “There is a clear need for an update of guidelines to facilitate adoption of the latest beneficial, safe and effective technologies to help combat HAIs and avoid delays that are currently detrimental to patient health.
“The provision of accurate, evidence-based guidance may influence hospitals and healthcare facilities to utilise AAD technologies as part of their decontamination protocols and help reduce the burden and mortality caused by HAIs.”
The authors argue that the results gained by AAD over manual methods, which do have clear guidelines for hospitals, are clear given that AAD reduces the risk of human error. For example:
- It can often be difficult to reach all potentially contaminated surfaces manually
- The margin for human error may introduce inconsistency and lack of completeness into the decontamination process
- Manual decontamination involves extensive staff time for:
- Carrying out the manual cleaning
- Training
- Maintenance
- Supervision
With the expenses and burden attached to Healthcare Associated Infections, and the inconsistent results reached by using manual processes alone, its seems clear with manual disinfection and the risks involved, it seems clear that clear guidelines on AAD can help to reduce the burden of HAIs across Europe.
