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    • #12382
      John-paul
      Keymaster

      Reflection question: Effective cleaning and disinfection practices reduce the risk of transmission of infections to health care workers and patients. What can you do at your workplace to support effective cleaning and disinfection?

    • #19888
      Ochuko Bridget
      Member

      At my workplace, I can support effective cleaning and disinfection by making sure I do not add to the contamination risk in the first place. This includes cleaning my hands before and after patient contact, using PPE correctly, and keeping shared equipment like blood pressure cuffs and vital signs machines clean. I will avoid placing dirty items on clean surfaces and ensure equipment is returned in a way that supports proper cleaning, which includes placing dirty and unclean equipment in the soiled utility area.
      I can also support environmental services staff by keeping patient areas organized and clear so they can clean thoroughly, and by reporting spills or contamination right away. Following contact precaution signage, reminding others when needed, and not bypassing cleaning protocols between patients are also important things that I can do to support cleaning. Overall, my role is to follow IPAC practices consistently so that cleaning and disinfection can be done effectively.

      • #19906
        Maame
        Member

        Hello Brigdet,

        Team work is key assisting other staff members with cleaning/ disinfecting and not solely relying on a particular department is very essential as well.

    • #19905
      Maame
      Member

      At my workplace at the start of my shift I always ensure hand hygiene is conducted then I disinfect the medication cart before use. I also ensure before and after resident contact hand hygiene is completed; I always disinfect my workplace station and ensure medical items for example vitals machine, stethoscopes are cleaned / disinfected between residents’. In addition, I also remind co-workers to be mindful so for example if a collegauge might of forgot to clean their work area just reminding them to do so.

      • #20084
        Melissa
        Member

        Hi Maame,

        I did my consolidation placement in a long-term care home. I also made sure to disinfect the medication cart before and after use. Even though the nurse before me had most likely disinfected the cart after their shift, it was still very important for me to give it an initial cleaning in case there were any areas missed. At the end of my shift, I would do another deep sanitize for the next shift’s use. Thanks for sharing ~Melissa

    • #20038
      Amanda
      Member

      At the start of the shift and even at the end of my shift, I always make sure to wipe down the computer station with the provided disinfectant wipes. As well I ensure to wipe my stethoscope and pens between uses. Modelling these behaviours also has co-workers joining to do it, ultimately supporting effective cleaning and disinfection as well.

    • #20064
      Melissa
      Member

      Some ways that I support cleaning and disinfection at my workplace are by wiping down staff iPads and computers, because they are used frequently throughout every shift. I also like to consistently wipe down high-touch surfaces in the break room that is provided for staff on the unit. In which I clean and disinfect items like the coffee machine, table and chairs. I enjoy doing this because I know that I am doing my part to help keep the people around me safe.

      • #20097
        Yi
        Member

        Hi Melissa,

        I really liked your post because you gave practical examples of how cleaning and disinfection can be done during a shift. I agree that wiping down staff iPads, computers, and other high-touch surfaces is very important because these items are used often and can easily spread germs. I also like that you mentioned cleaning shared staff areas such as the break room. In long-term care, every small step helps protect residents, staff, and visitors. Thank you for sharing.

      • #20363
        Amanda
        Member

        Hey Melissa! I think its so important to do these things as well and continue to do them at my workplace as well. Leading by example also encourages others to do the same.

    • #20096
      Yi
      Member

      In my long-term care workplace, I can support effective cleaning and disinfection by consistently following IPAC practices during every shift. This includes performing hand hygiene before and after resident contact, using PPE appropriately, and cleaning shared equipment such as blood pressure machines, thermometers, lifts, and medication carts between residents. It is also important to keep clean and dirty items separate and to return soiled equipment to the proper area for cleaning.

      I can also help by disinfecting high-touch surfaces regularly, such as computer stations, work areas, phones, and carts, because these are used frequently by many staff members. In long-term care, residents are more vulnerable to infection due to age, chronic illness, and weakened immune systems, so proper cleaning and disinfection is very important. I can further support this by reporting spills or contamination right away, following precaution signage, and reminding co-workers when needed about cleaning protocols. Overall, consistent attention to cleaning and disinfection helps protect both residents and staff and reduces the spread of infection in the home.

    • #20108
      Yetunde
      Member

      At my workplace, I can support effective cleaning and disinfection by consistently cleaning and disinfecting shared equipment before and after use, such as blood pressure machines, thermometers, meds cart and work surfaces.

      I can further support this by taking responsibility for my own workspace and making sure it is kept clean throughout my shift, rather than assuming it has already been done. I can also ensure that any items I use are properly cleaned or disinfected right away so they are safe and ready for the next person.

      • #20178
        Damilola
        Member

        Hi Yetunde, I can relate to this, as I always disinfect equipment before and after use and remind my med admin and other team to disinfect as well.

    • #20177
      Damilola
      Member

      At my workplace, I can support effective cleaning and disinfection by following proper IPAC practices. I can ensure that high-touch surfaces and equipment are cleaned and disinfected after use, proper hand hygiene before and after resident care, and use the appropriate PPE. I can also educate others on the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment for both residents, visitors and healthcare workers.

      • #20182
        Basirat
        Member

        Hi Damilola, I agree with everything you said following proper IPAC practices is essential, especially in long term care where residents are more vulnerable. Like you, I make sure high touch surfaces and equipment are cleaned and disinfected after every use, and I’m consistent with hand hygiene and PPE.

    • #20181
      Basirat
      Member

      Effective cleaning and disinfection are essential for reducing the spread of infections and protecting both residents and staff. In my long term care workplace, I support these practices by making sure I clean all areas and equipment before and after use. I’m also diligent about requesting housekeeping team to clean residents’ rooms after they are discharged from the facility, ensuring that high touch surfaces, shared equipment, and environmental areas are properly disinfected according to IPAC guidelines.
      To further support effective cleaning and disinfection, I focus on a key actions such as following a consistent routine by making sure I never skip steps, even on busy days. Having a set sequence for cleaning helps prevent missed areas. I double check that disinfectants are appropriate for the task and that surfaces stay wet for the required duration. Alongside cleaning, I remind staff about the importance of hand hygiene, and I’ve started a weekly Hand Hygiene Champion activity to keep everyone engaged. Keeping equipment organized and accessible because when cleaning supplies and PPE are easy to reach, it supports faster and more consistent disinfection. Communicating with the team, If I notice an area or piece of equipment that needs attention, I bring it forward right away so nothing is overlooked.

    • #20362
      Amanda
      Member

      Consistency in maintaining IPAC practices are imperative to helping support effective cleaning and disinfection in the workplace. One of the ways to ensure proper cleaning or at least reducing transmission is by following the 4 moments of hand hygiene. I always ensure to wipe high touch surface areas at the start of my shift, before break and then at the end of my shift as well as cleaning my equipment frequently. Another way to ensure IPAC practices are maintained is also to educate patients and visitors, working together will also lessen the risk of transmission and help contribute to a cleaner environment.

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