After reading the article on best construction practices for occupied healthcare
facilities, I believe that the most essential step is to understand the infection
control/ risk assessment requirements and ensure they are met. This step is
crucial due to the project occurring in an occupied facility. This step involves
many factors such as the location of the project, management of waste, and air
filtration systems (Touchstone & Blum, 2011). Because the facility will be
functioning during this time, it is important to keep things organized so they
can function as they normally would, as well as keep people free of harm or
inconvenience. One article I found states that Hospital-acquired infections
related to construction and renovation activities account for more than 5,000
deaths per year across the United States (Kanj, et. al., 2019). By appropriately
identifying all of the possible risks during construction and ways to prevent
these risks, these adverse events can be prevented. Additionally, this step
assists with maintaining the satisfaction of patients by keeping them safe and
maintaining the functionality of the facility. Other steps are listed in the article
that will add support for risk and infection reduction, but this step allows for
the contractors and healthcare administrators to plan together and ensure a safe
working zone for all.
References
Kanj, A., Gao, Y., & Soubani, A. O. (2019). What are the risks to inpatients
during hospital construction or renovation? Cleveland Clinic Journal of
Medicine, 86(10), 650–652. https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.86a.19008
Touchstone, R., & Blum, F. (2011, June 7). 5 Healthcare Construction Best
Practices for Occupied Healthcare Facilities. Retrieved from Becker's
Hospital Review: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-
management-administration/5-healthcare-construction-best-practices-for-
occupied-healthcare-facilities.html?oly_enc_id=7854I7992423G4L
