by Synergies pay off between water & new process control technologies
Water is obviously a key element of a good handwash, especially in the era of controlling the spread of C. diff. As in most everything else, some manufacturers have invested more than others, in this case to serve up the wash-ready water with utmost speed, reliability, safety, savings and with easy-access operational data.
HAI costs combined with the new zero tolerance standard for handwashing by The Joint Commission and CMS’s restricted reimbursement policy regarding readmissions are driving handwash system investments. The target is to reduce HAIs by motivating enhanced handwashing compliance. Process control holds the keys. New faucet technology sets up well as a preliminary upgrade, preceding the investment in E-monitoring handwash systems.
The right electronic no-touch faucet system delivers on 5 key points:
- 1. Its convenience and cleanliness motivate its use by busy staff with no time to search for the faucet’s “sweet spot”.
- 2. Is equal to or better than a manual faucet for resistance to legionella.
- 3. Has power source options to speed installation and save battery changes.
- 4. Saves over 1 gallon of tempered water for each 20+ second handwash. Consider the C.diff multiplier.
- 5. Handheld programming and data collection.
Consider Handwashing For Life’s best-in-class choice, the industry-leading Chicago Faucets equipped with Self-Sustaining Power Source and integrated Commander controller.
Electronic handwash monitoring is leading a path to often double or triple-compliance over the previous “observation only” numbers. Obviously, many of the “hand washes” in healthcare are using only hand sanitizer but as they are ineffective on C.diff, the need for soap-water washes is multiplying.
Operators find electronic faucets pave the way for E-monitoring and are rewarded by staff appreciation, more frequent use and added patient safety.
