2016 CHAIR Accomplishments

• SEEING THE LIGHT UVC light engineer’s weapon in battle against superbugs, Canadian Healthcare Facilities Magazine, Barry Hunt, Nov 2016, page 26.
• An Engineered Intervention: VGH Undertakes Clinical Investigation of Bone Marrow Transplant unit in Hopes of Reducing HAI’s, Richard Dixon, Canadian Healthcare Facilities Magazine, Page 30.

• Reduction of Hospital Environmental Contamination Using Automatic UV Room Disinfection, St. Mary’s General Hospital, InfectionControl.tips, August 2016.

 

               

 

This study was designed to gain an understanding of the number of disinfection cycles per day and to compare differences in microbial loads between rooms that have and do not have automated UV disinfection units. General microbial contamination levels were monitored to evaluate the overall efficacy of UV disinfection. No attempt was made to monitor epidemiologically important pathogens or infection rates. 

 

 

Surface sampling in four patient bathrooms, an equipment storage room, and a soiled utility room showed that the use of Sanuvox Aseptix 1 automated UV disinfection devices significantly reduced microbial contamination. The frequency of heavily contaminated surfaces, characterized by TNTC samples, was reduced by ~65% overall during the periods when the UV systems were active and door closings ranged from 27– 44%, compared to periods when the UV systems were not active.

 

 

One of the major learnings of the study is that it is important when engineering a solution to fully automate every step. In the case of AutoUV, using automatic door closers rather than relying on signage and training to have people close doors manually would increase effectiveness from 65% of the time to close to 100% of the time.

 

Project Role: Project Manager for Product Acquisition and Logistics and Scheduling of Clinical Testing

 

• Efficacy of ozonated water to remove bacteria from surfaces: A comparative study with commercially available soap solutions - Lakehead University, March 2016

 

This study found that point-of-use ROS water generated in a hand hygiene sink was as effective as soap and water for decontaminating hands. It also found >99% reduction in bacterial growth in the sink drain.

 

 

Project Role: Project Manager for Product Acquisition and Logistics and Scheduling of Clinical Test

 

• Published a year long proof of concept study using EIP strategies bundled together in the Vancouver General Hospital Bone Marrow Transplant unit with patients who are very immune suppressed. The study showed significant reductions in harmful bacteria in the patient’s bedroom and bathroom.  This innovative study used copper alloys on high touch surfaces, an AutoUV disinfector in the bathroom, titanium dioxide on the walls, filters on the bathroom sink and shower head and no touch bathroom fixtures – paper towel soap and hand gel.

• Support from Queens Park & Parliament Hill - We have been continuing the effort to lobby both MPPs and MPs for funding support both for CHAIR and hospitals infection control technology purchases. In the last 3 months MP Bryan May,  MPP Kathryn McGarry, MPP Daiene Vernile, MPP Katherine Fife, and the Minister of health & Long Term Care, Dr. Eric Hoskins have all met  with  board members at the CHAIR hospital room at the Class 1 Inc. Cambridge manufacturing facility.

• We are continuing to hear about the positive impact on participants in the bone marrow transplant (BMT) project at Vancouver General Hospital in which CHAIR CANADA has helped source engineered product solutions. This is a two-year pilot study that will tackle reducing the risk of infection in BMT patients using several complimentary and novel approaches.

• CHAIR worked with Class 1, the University of Waterloo and Kitchener’s St Mary’s General Hospital, to complete a three-month trial in October using ultraviolet lights in 2 patient washrooms. A Report is soon to be released citing the successful impact of UV in this study.

• CHAIR Canada Participation at Innovative Project at Lions Gate Hospital, North Vancouver - CHAIR Canada was able to coordinate the initial testing of a wall mounted Ultraviolet C (UV-C) disinfecting system at Lions Gate Hospital (LGH) in North Vancouver.

• CHAIR Lists Top 10 Promising interventions: Surface, Self-sanitizing surfaces, Air disinfection, Hand hygiene, Do it right culture, Housekeeping, Staff Uniforms, Bed linens and gowns, Patient Hygiene, and Screening.