Chatinkha Nursery ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light box use study for disinfection of small medical equipment and devices
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Date
16-03-22
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Malawi Liverpool Welcome Trust
Abstract
Type of research study
Observational and feasibility, usability and acceptability study
Problem statement
Multi-use, high-touch, shared medical equipment and devices such as thermometers, oxygen saturation probes, stethoscopes, are difficult to clean and provide potential sources of contamination and transmission of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in healthcare settings.
Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light disinfection has been identified as an effective strategy to potentially decrease hospital-acquired, multidrug-resistant epidemiologically important pathogens. UV-C light box technologies are currently being developed to disinfect masks, gloves, small devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and medical equipment such as stethoscopes. Assessing the feasibility,
usability and acceptability of UV-C light boxes for disinfection of multi-use medical equipment and devices in Chatinkha Nursery has the potential to decrease pathogen contamination and enhance infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and warrants further exploration and evaluation.
Broad objective
To assess the effectiveness of pilot the use of candidate UV-C light boxes for disinfection of frequently used medical equipment and devices for IPC in Chatinkha Nursery.
Specific objectives
1. To identify the most frequently touched medical devices in Chatinkha Nursery.
2. To measure the effectiveness of candidate UV-C light boxes to disinfect 2-3 most frequently used small medical equipment/devices used in Chatinkha Nursery. identified by the observations.
3. To determine the feasibility of using , usability, and acceptability of candidate UV-C light boxes for disinfecting multi-use, high-touch, shared medical equipment and devices among health care workers in Chatinkha Nursery.
Methodology
The study will use observational, quantitative, and qualitative methods including observations, laboratory-based quantitative microbiology protocols, and in-depth interviews with health care workers (HCW) in Chatinkha Nursery and QECH administrators.
Expected findings
Multi-use, high-touch, shared medical equipment and devices will be identified and it is anticipated that the candidate UV-C light boxes will be effective, feasible, usable, and acceptable for disinfecting multi-use, high-touch, shared medical equipment and devices in Chatinkha Nursery, as a means of IPC interventions.
Dissemination
Upon completion of our analyses, we will share the data and our findings with Chatinkha Nursery staff, QECH hospital management, KUHES, COMREC and other relevant stakeholders. We will also consider presenting the findings at national and international conferences and in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Description
Keywords
Chatinkha Nursery ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light box use study