As a nurse, I decided to go with one that was a major focus during my time working in the
Operating Room and having experienced expansions and renovations that could have had
widespread consequences and ramifications. The best practice I feel that is critical in a
healthcare organization is the ongoing compliance with infection control/risk assessment
requirements.
A healthcare facility poses a unique challenge when it comes to construction and/or
renovation. Over the last several decades, the use of infection control risk assessments has
evolved (Flannery, 2021). A thorough understanding of the control/risk assessment
requirements is essential to the safety of the facility’s patients as there may be grave
consequences if something goes awry if infection control/risk assessment requirements are
not followed.
A pre-construction meeting with infection control is necessary to fully review the risk
assessment procedures to formulate and formalize a plan for the various stages of
construction and what actions will be taken to ensure that the potential risk of transmission
of airborne and waterborne biological contaminants are considered, mitigated, and
contained (Flannery, 2021; Touchstone, 2011). Also to be considered during a
renovation/new construction are that walkways/throughways in which visitors or
employees walk contain no trip hazards, airborne risks, or unsafe areas in which a several-
foot fall could occur if proper signs and/or barriers are not in place (Touchstone, 2011).
The risk assessment is comprehensive and will take several meetings between the
contractor and infection control to ensure that all requirements and specifications have
been reviewed and met and nearly every eventuality has been planned for to the best of all
parties’ ability. In addition to extensive risk assessment pre-planning, during the actual
construction/renovation period, daily documentation must be kept surrounding the work in
each area that will be available for review by the organization (Touchstone, 2011).
There is so much ‘behind the scenes’ pre-planning when it comes to construction and
renovation in healthcare that many who work at the facility are not aware of. However,
this work is essential to protect the health and safety of the patients, visitors, and
employees that pass through the doors of the facility.
References
Flannery, J. (2021). ASHE publishes revised infection control risk assessment guide.
Retrieved from: American Society for Healthcare Engineering:
https://www.hfmmagazine.com/articles/4334-ashe-publishes-revised-infection-
control-risk-assessment-guide
Touchstone, R. . (2011). 5 healthcare construction best practices for occupied healthcare
facilities. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-
administration/5-healthcare-construction-best-practices-for-occupied-healthcare-
facilities.html
