a Best practice most essential for success in the construction capital plan is the
understanding of infection control/risk assessment requirements and ensuring these
requirements are met. Prior to construction or renovations within a healthcare facility, an
understanding of these infection control requirements must be ensured. There must be
mutual understanding of infection control policies, procedures, and risks that are set forth
by a team to include facility infection control leaders, and contractors that will be
performing the work. This is a key step within the capital plan and is essential to the
overall strategic plan and budgeting for the facilities future (Touchstone, 2011).
a a a Risk assessments and management must be considered, planned for, and approved
prior to moving forward with any project. Infection control risk assessments (ICRA’s) are
helpful in the planning and implementation process. These include items such as air
quality, filtration, and monitoring, waste containment and disposal, barriers and barricades
for dust and/or particle control, and proper use of PPE. There are numerous ways
pathogens can enter the healthcare facility. Pathogens can be airborne, waterborne, or
through direct and indirect contact. Proper ventilation, plumbing and filter use, as well as
proper PPE practices will decrease the chance of transmission, thereby decreasing hospital
acquired infections (HAI’s) which can be extremely costly to the facility (Taylor, 2020).
a a a Through planning with the involvement of infection control leadership, the risks
can be decreased which will decrease the chance for HAI transmission within the facility.
Taylor, E., (2020). Infection control during construction. ASHE. Health Facilities
Management. [Retrieved from]: https://www.hfmmagazine.com
Touchstone, R., (2011). 5 Healthcare construction best practices for occupied healthcare
facilities. Beckers Hospital Review. [Retrieved from]:
https://www.beckershospitalreview.com
