Creating a Cleaner Informing System to Increase the Percentage of Clean Beds in the Post Cesarean Ward at Nyagatare Hospital, Rwanda

Abstract

Hospital beds are one of the most frequently used non-invasive equipment in the clinical area and have a high risk of transmitting hospital acquired infections. However, they are usually not cleaned effectively. Accordingly, we conducted this quality improvement project to improve the bed cleaning process in a rural district hospital in Rwanda. A pre-post intervention study was conducted from in April 2015 to February 2016. The beds in the maternity unit were observed after patient was discharged. We implemented an alert system included using a signage system to help inform cleaners to clean the beds. Guidelines for the new system were created and trainings were provided. The intervention significantly increased the percentage of clean beds from 44% pre-intervention to 90% post-intervention (P < 0.001). 93% of staff followed the new labelling system. By focusing on system and process change, this quality improvement project successfully increased the percentage of clean beds without additional financial investment.