A Salt Lake City hospital unit experienced a sharp but temporary decline in patient colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in the year following an extensive renovation, according to an article on the Healio website.
Researchers said the drop was likely because contaminated surfaces had been replaced.
According to the study, VRE is one of the bacterial pathogens with potential to contaminate the surfaces in patient rooms, leading to an increased risk of colonization and infection.
“Thus, remodeling that includes replacement of surfaces could conceivably reduce the rate of infection, at least until environmental recontamination occurs,” researchers said.
Building Envelope Design: Beyond Energy Efficiency
Outpatient Surge Reshapes Long-Term Strategy for Medical Outpatient Buildings
Mercy Medical Center to Be Integrated into Baystate Health
Managing IAQ in Healthcare Facilities During Wildfires
Building Hospital Resilience in an Era of Extreme Weather