May 7, 2019
Floors in hospital rooms have been overlooked as a source for pathogen dissemination, with potentially dangerous results.
A 2017 study found that 1 in 25 hospital patients or 721,800 people in the United States have at least one infection associated with healthcare facilities. HAIs (Healthcare Associated Infections) are linked to 75,000 deaths a year and cost an estimated $28-45 billion annually. These infections can be associated with the devices used in medical procedures, such as catheters or ventilators. Germs can spread from patient to patient, from unclean hands-on healthcare personnel, through contact with contaminated surfaces, or through the improper use or reuse of equipment.
In this study, 5 hospitals participated without the knowledge of the hospital personnel. In all 5 hospitals, patient room floors were found to be contaminated with healthcare-associated pathogens. In addition, high-touch objects often came into contact with the floor, resulting in pathogens transferring to hands.
Seamless flooring, a poured-in-place, multi-layered floor coating eliminates crevices and absorptive surfaces that can harbor pathogens. No grout means no area for harmful germs or debris to collect. Additional protection can be added by bringing the seamless benefits up the wall with a unified wall and floor system.
Additional Benefits to Seamless Flooring
- Chemical Resistant – stand up to harsh cleaning agents such as vaporized hydrogen peroxide, without damaging or staining the floor.
- Durable – slip resistant resinous flooring stands up to point-load and frequent foot traffic allowing heavy equipment to be moved around without tearing the floor.
- Low Maintenance – simple and easy to clean with no need to wax or reseal – ever.
- Moisture/Salt Tolerant – properly bonded seamless flooring lasts for years.
- Quick Install – reduce downtime and inability to access the area.
While seamless flooring can be used in all areas of a hospital, those that show the largest benefit with the added help of reducing HAIs are:
- Surgical Suites
- Patient Suites
- Sterile Processing Department
- Hallways & Corridors
- Laboratory & Pharmacy
Reducing HAIs is a collaborative effort across an entire facility through properly educating staff, adhering to individual cleanliness and equipment cleansing protocol, regularly cleaning surfaces and using hard non-porous materials for cabinets, permanent fixtures, walls, and floors. Seamless flooring can play a vital role in the reduction of pathogens and contaminants ultimately leading to a decrease in HAIs.