It is recommended that the carer, patient, and healthcare provider supervise slings for regular cleaning. Appropriate cleaning eliminates cross-infection, which results in the provision of a clean environment. This blog features a range of illustrations and offers guidance on proper disinfection techniques from CHS Healthcare for hoist slings.
Step 1: Gather Necessary Supplies
If there is any chance during the disinfection process, you must only gather all the requirements at the start of the procedure. This includes:
- Personal Protective Equipment: Wear gloves, a mask to ensure you do not come into contact with these agents and an apron to guard your clothes.
- Cleaning Agents: Dial a low-powered soap or use a sling cleaning solution appropriate to the type of sling your patient is going to be laid on.
- Disinfectant Solution: Make sure that the disinfectant you use is suitable for use on any fabric that may be present to ensure it keeps out all the bacterial and viral germs.
- Clean Water: Only use potable water for rinsing and soaking the slings.
- Clean Bucket or Basin: This is also needed to immerse and wash the sling.
- Drying Area or Rack: Determine the proper place to dry the slings; it should be clean and ventilated.
- Clean Cloth or Towel: This should be handy for wiping and rinsing off surfaces.
Step 2: Preparation
Preparation is critical to effective cleaning. The first nursing intervention involved gentle and patient-friendly removal of the sling from the patient. When carrying a sling, look at its cleanliness, specifically for signs of dirt, staining, and damage. Document any concerns you observe, as these may require special attention during cleaning or indicate the need for replacement.
Step 3: Pre-Cleaning
- Rinse the Sling: Wash the sling with clean water to wash out the sling of visible dirt or excessive discharge, bloodstains or other possible foreign particles. This three-stage rinsing process aimed to reduce the microbial count before disinfection.
- Apply Detergent: If using a mild detergent, then dilute it or any other recommended cleaning solution by the producer of the cleaner. Immerse the sling in the cleaning solution and let the sling stay in the solution for almost 30 minutes. Such soaking removes the challenging setting, especially bacteria, and prepares the fabric for effective disinfection.
Step 4: Disinfection
- Prepare the Disinfectant: Prepare the disinfectant solutions properly, ideally mixing the diluted disinfectant at the manufacturer’s recommended rate per gallon of water. Ensure it is compatible with the sling material to prevent tearing or damage.
- Apply Disinfectant: Submerge the sling in the disinfectant solution or apply the disinfectant solution on the sling for even distribution throughout the area. Extra care should be taken at seams, margins of straps and zones that may have been in contact with body fluids.
- Allow Contact Time: Allow the sling to be wet with the disinfectant, usually 10-15 minutes, for a specific time. Such contact time is necessary to eliminate pathogens and ensure the sling is ready for reuse.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
- Rinse Thoroughly: After the contact time, wash the sling with clean water to wash off all the disinfectants. This step washes away the remaining disinfectant so the subsequent patient is not uncomfortable touching the instrument.
- Drying: Lay the sling flat on a clean surface and let it dry in a well-aired area free from direct sun to ensure it is scorched before you keep or use it again. This is good for discouraging sucking up dampness which in turn fosters microorganisms’ development.
Step 6: Final Inspection and Storage
- Conduct a Final Inspection: Once dry, carefully inspect the sling again for any remaining stains, damage, or signs of wear. If you identify any issues, consider replacing the sling to maintain patient safety and comfort.
- Store Properly: Place the disinfected sling in a clean and dry area, away from the reach of other contaminants. Do not overlap slings to minimise cross-contamination. Store them in designated, labelled storage bins to keep them organised and easily accessible.
Step 7: Clean Up
- Dispose of PPE Safely: After cleaning, remove and dispose of all PPE according to your facility’s infection control protocols. This prevents any potential cross-contamination from contaminated equipment.
- Clean Work Area: Equipment and objects used during cleaning and laundry must be sanitised with a suitable disinfectant. This is crucial to ensure no contaminants remain in the area during the process.
Additional Considerations
- Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always adhere to the sling manufacturer’s specific cleaning and disinfection guidelines. Different materials may have unique care requirements.
- Regular Cleaning Schedule: In this case, a cleaning regime for the slings should be put in place, and this has to do with the frequency of use as well as the needs of the patient. This way, hygiene is being upheld, and the chances of getting an infection are suppressed all in one go.
- Training Staff: All the staff responsible for the cleaning programmes have proper training on disinfection methods and infection control measures. Having refresher training also improves compliance and increases awareness.
- Monitor and Review: Adopt cleaning procedures that staff updated recently to refine with the most up-to-date recommendations from health organisations. Engage yourself to find any new chemical disinfectant or method of cleaning that can enhance results.
- Document Cleaning Activities: Keep records of cleaning and disinfection, including the date and time and any comments observed during cleaning and disinfection. This can be important during audits, appliance inspections, and document auditing.
In a Nutshell
This procedure offers comprehensive guidelines that anyone can follow to disinfect patient slings and reduce contamination risks safely. By following these steps, patients are safeguarded, and facilities ensure a safety-tuned climate for healthcare representatives. Additionally, using CHS Healthcare hygiene slings can enhance the effectiveness of your disinfection practices.