Another layer of protection for patients

Campbell County Health has added another weapon to its arsenal to help protect patients from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). HAIs are infections that patients contract while in a health care environment, that was neither present nor developing when original treatment began. HAIs can be caused by a number of bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites and are the most common form of preventable hospital complication, affecting millions each year. Washing hands, cleaning all surfaces and sterilizing instruments are the best practices to preventing these infections.

The Tru-D SmartUVC disinfecting robot delivers an automated, measured dose of ultraviolet light (UVC) to consistently disinfect a room from a single position, eliminating human error and documenting disinfection results for each cycle.

Using an iPad outside the room, staff turns on Tru-D remotely and begins a single disinfection cycle. The robot is able to compensate for room variables such as size, shape and contents to deliver the precise dose of UV energy needed throughout the entire room. It takes 15-35 minutes to complete a thorough room disinfection cycle. Tru-D automatically shuts down and notifies the operator via audio and/or text message that the disinfection cycle is complete.

Campbell County Memorial Hospital Surgical Services Director Sheryl James and Infection Prevention Director Veronica Taylor saw the equipment at their respective national conferences, and realized its potential to add another layer of protection to prevent transmission of infection from patient to patient.

In addition to the normal cleaning practices for every patient discharge, Tru-D is used in Med/Surg and ICU after discharge if the patient had influenza, RSV, C-diff, or other contact or droplet infections. Tru-D is also used in the operating rooms as part of the terminal cleaning process. As of April 6, 2018, Tru-D had been used 126 times to disinfect patient care areas in CCMH.

“Tru-D is one way we are raising the bar when it comes to the level of care we provide to all patients,” said Sheryl James.

“Yes, this equipment was expensive,” said Veronica Taylor. “But that cost can be balanced out when you consider the cost of a healthcare-acquired infection, both to the patient and the organization.”