With the healthcare reform issue swirling around Washington, we may not know what the final outcome will bring, but one thing that is fairly certain is that the cost debate around medical care will take into consideration the impact of hospital acquired infections. As the president notes “we will all need to be smarter consumers.” That means learning the risks of actually getting sicker while in the hospital. With the rise of transparency, the smart consumer will learn to look at how hospitals are working to reduce their risk of infection. I thought this recent CNN article offered an interesting perspective.
The article’s premise is that everyone through out the care continuum is responsible for helping to prevent the risk of infection … even, make that especially, the environmental service employee. How we motivate the person in that role is a function of elevating their task as more than that of a cleaning person. Here’s an example of what was reported to me recently by Chris Winn, Vice President of Operations, at Paoli Memorial Hospital (Paoli, PA) , quoted from a patient commenting about an environmental services person:
“(As a patient), I observed this young lady taking particular pride in her work. When she cleaned the floor, she commentd: “this is my floor and I want it shining.” She was very upbeat and cheerful. To her the job was one of pride and not drudgery.
I recall an old uncle of mine arrving from Ireland and dug ditches for the Union Gas Compnay in Brookly, NY. His wife had told him to be the best ditch differ and have pride in this menial labor. He did, and became superintendent of the gas works. Opprtunity was there even in the nineteen thirties, and is here today for those wanting it.”
How does this service worker think of herself? Yes… as a core part of the patient care team! She’s engaged, and is a key team member in helping to control hospital infections. I’m interested in hearing of success stories in your organizations in decreasing infections by engaging your employees.
