Improvement of hospital environmental cleaning and disinfection practices following an eight-month outbreak.

Background: Following an eight-month vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus outbreak on an inpatient medical unit, the Environmental Services Department re-examined their cleaning and disinfection protocols. Methods: Cleaning and disinfection policies and best practice recommendations were analyzed and staff and patient surveys were conducted to identify quality improvement projects. Results: Four projects were implemented, including standardizing procedures, updating cleaning products, and introducing auditing and seasonal cleaning programs in patient care areas. Conclusions: Engaging staff and patients and reviewing best practices resulted in the successful implementation of improvement projects to enhance cleaning and disinfection practices and improve patient safety in an acute care hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]