Abstract
Hospitals use chemical disinfectants to keep inanimate surfaces clean and free of contamination to protect occupants, i.e., patients, employees, and visitors, from the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). However, numerous formulation, environmental, and application-related aspects can negatively influence the efficacy of chemical disinfectants. Furthermore, they pose significant risks to human health, safety and the environment and contribute to the emergence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) microbes in hospitals. In addition, knowledge gaps on chemical disinfectants can lead to incorrect application of the product, misinterpretation of instructions, and general misuse, all of which can harm hospital occupants and the environment. Therefore, a proper understanding and best practices related to chemical disinfectants among cleaning employees and infection control and prevention (IPC) practitioners are essential for preventing HAI and AMR.
This study assessed the level of knowledge and practice regarding the selection and application of chemical disinfectants in public hospitals in the Tshwane Health District. Ninety-one (91) IPC officials and 167 cleaners from seven public hospitals in the Tshwane Health District participated in the study. The data was collected using two self-administered questionnaires, one for IPC officials and the other for cleaning employees.
The results indicate that nearly a third (30%) of the participants in the IPC Officials cohort did not have the appropriate knowledge and training in selecting disinfectants. However, 96.4% of the cleaning staff had high-level expertise and experience in cleaning materials and chemical disinfectants. The study further revealed statistically significant differences between hospitals regarding the knowledge and practices on the selection of disinfectants for IPC Officials (p=0.013).
These findings point to the need for hospitals to take action to ensure the use of appropriate, high-quality chemical disinfectants to maintain a safe, sanitary, and disease-free environment. Furthermore, proper systems and training support for IPC staff are required to perform disinfection duties effectively.