Authors (including presenting author) :
Lo YY(1)(3), Tung MK(3), Kan WY(2)(3)
Affiliation :
(1)Supporting Services Department, (2)General Admin & Corporate Affairs Department, (3)Administrative Services Division, Kwong Wah Hospital
Introduction :
Improving hospital environmental hygiene can reduce environmental contamination and risk for transmission of healthcare associated infections, especially during the pandemic time of COVID-19. The UV Germ Spray Test, a common hygiene monitoring mechanism being accepted worldwide, was applied as an indicator to measure the performance of individual cleaning staff. During the initial stage of the implementation of the UV Germ Spray Test, staffs raised concerns and feedbacks regarding the usage of UV fluid and work pressure were experienced by the staffs to accept this new performance indicator.
Objectives :
To let the staff to understand their role and how the organization is changing to fulfil its purpose and objection better while receiving regular and construction feedbacks by giving a voice to the frontline staff.
Methodology :
The UV Germ test was first launched on 1 April 2014 as an infection control measures by spraying UV liquid to designated spots to monitor surfaces are being cleaned in accordance with the ICN directions. During the roll out stage, staffs raised concerns about the safety use of “Wash & Glow”, an aqua-pure based UV reactive fluid, and the potential risk of eye irritation and/ or injury if the spray gets into eyes.
Multiple briefings were held to provide a platform to communicate key information about the test and address the staffs’ concerns to reassure the ingredient of the UV liquid is safe for being a non-hazardous and non-toxic product for control of substances hazardous to health purpose (COSHH). Printed materials, such as internal notices, memos, and roll-up banners were adopted to announce the product fact and aim to let the staffs to understand “how we are doing and what we are using” to enhance the efficiency of staff communication.
Result & Outcome :
In view of the staffs’ feedbacks, the UV Spray Test was replaced by the UV Swap Test to enhance the staffs’ confidence in the UV test. Staffs contended with the full and frank disclosure about the test and the UV fluid and did not raise further enquiry regarding the test.
The multiple communication approach was proven to be effective for creating a condition in KWH that staffs offer more of their capability at work while the organization provides a clear vision to maintain the confidence at work among staffs.
