Journal Reviews
Telehealth/infection control best practices identified
As more home health patients with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) and other, emerging pathogens are cared for at home, concerns about the use of telehealth equipment and infection control are raised. Some agencies do not place telehealth monitors in the homes of these patients due to a lack of knowledge about proper cleaning of the equipment.
A study of 31 home health agencies using telehealth equipment addressed the questions related to cleaning policies, cleaning practices, and best practices for infection control related to telehealth:
The study shows that 94% of the agencies did have a written cleaning policy in place, and 54% of these agencies developed the policy with the help of infection control clinical practice specialists. Policies ranged from requiring basic or routine cleaning to more complex practices, such as bagging equipment prior to disinfecting and biomed checks before reusing equipment.
The majority of agencies use disinfecting sprays or wipes with alcohol, bleach, and other germicidal agents, for unit cleaning after use.
Fifty-two percent of respondents reported that they do not place telehealth equipment in the homes of patients with known methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus or vancomycin-resistant enterococci. When patients have MDRO, 61% of agencies will not install the equipment.
The authors recommended the following best practices guidelines for cleaning telehealth equipment:
Check manufacturer recommendations for cleaning.
Consider the assistance of a clinical specialist in infection prevention.
Develop a written policy that includes the following items:
Collect equipment and bag at point of use.
Transport to designated cleaning area.
Hand hygiene and use of protective equipment is needed.
Use soft cloths for cleaning.
Protect electrical components from liquids.
Use detergent to clean, then follow with EPA registered disinfectant.
Store cleaned equipment in clean area.
Develop competency checklist for personnel.
When using with MDRO patient, consider disposable peripherals.
Reference
1. Suter P, Yueng C, Johnston D, et al. "Telehealth infection control: a movement toward best practice." Home Healthcare Nurse May 2009: 27(5):319-323.
As more home health patients with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) and other, emerging pathogens are cared for at home, concerns about the use of telehealth equipment and infection control are raised.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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