Exploring how antibacterial surface materials are helping to reduce infections in healthcare settings
The importance of infection prevention and control regimes in healthcare settings has long been recognised. But the COVID-19 pandemic put a new emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene and has changed the approach within hospitals, clinics, and care homes. And, while handwashing and environmental cleaning remain key; product designers have taken the opportunity to refine manufacturing processes to provide new innovations which support facilities managers in continuing the battle against bugs. In particular, hygienic surface materials are now available which reduce the pathogen burden within healthcare settings.
STARTING FROM THE BOTTOM
Daniel Wetzels, client account manager for healthcare at Forbo Flooring Systems, explains: “As viruses, bacteria, and other infectious germs can be found on surfaces such as walls, sinks, door handles, and floors, it can be very easy for infections to spread quickly. “And, if spaces are fitted out with non-antibacterial materials and surfaces, then the rate of infection will only increase. “As such, when it comes to infection control and preventing healthcare associated infections (HCAIs), choosing solutions that can inhibit the growth of bacteria is vital – and starting from the floor up is the best place!” When specifying floor coverings for healthcare facilities, there are many solutions on the market. However, to specifically aid cleaning and maintenance, and to reduce the spread of infection, resilient floor coverings such as UPVC, vinyl, rubber, or linoleum are usually the preferred and recommended option – especially those certified as antibacterial.
NATURAL PROTECTION
Wetzels said: “Despite being discovered more than 150 years ago, the popularity of linoleum continues to grow year on year due to its versatility in design, its sustainability characteristics, and its hygienic properties. “Most importantly, linoleum is naturally bacteriostatic, which means it can inhibit the growth of infections like C Difficile, Norovirus and MRSA – a vital consideration for healthcare settings.” Independent testing by the University of Glasgow found that Forbo’s own brand of linoleum, Marmoleum, has a unique suitability for a wide range of environments where hygiene and bacteria control are a constant concern and as a result it has been installed in hospitals and health centres across the UK. Importantly, it is also easy to clean and maintain due to its two-layer, water-based surface finish, TopShield Pro. “While floor coverings are only one part of the healthcare design puzzle, if specified correctly they can have a positive impact on reducing healthcare associated infections and, in turn, improve the health and wellbeing of patients, staff, and visitors,” said Wetzels. But, whatever resilient flooring material is chosen, maintenance is key to its efficacy, explains Rohit Sharma, resilient sales manager at flooring company, Bona.
RENEWAL NOT REPLACEMENT
“Resilient floor renewal is one of the emerging new trends in the commercial flooring market, and one which has gained significant momentum within the health sector recently for several reasons, largely financial and environmental, and as a means to maintain a healthy, hygienic surface. “Renewing an existing resilient floor, instead of replacing with a new floor, isa new, yet quick and simple, alternative to improving the hygienic properties ofhealthcare facilities starting from the ground up. “The reason resilient floor renewal is a particularly good choice from a cleaning and hygiene viewpoint is due to its ability to repair torn and damaged areas by creating a flat surface free of any joints or seams. “The smooth surface provides long-term protection and greatly reduces the risk of bacteria growing, germ contamination, or other fungi-related development that often occurs when joints or seams are present. “Resilient floor renewal can transform a very-bad floor into a surface that looks as good as new, but importantly without the high expense or immense disruption that a new floor replacement brings, which are vital considerations in the healthcare sector.”
EASING THE PRESSURE
As well as specifying antibacterial flooring products, wall panels are also available with built-in bug-busting qualities. Scott Beattie, managing director of Fibo, said: “Using products with antibacterial properties can be vital to help minimise preventable illnesses, which in turn can reduce the pressure on healthcare facilities. “For example, tiles have long been the ‘go-to’ solution for bathrooms, showers, and kitchen areas – places you typically see bacteria growth– but they are not always the most-hygienic option. “In contrast, waterproof wall panels pose an attractive alternative solution. “A key part of this is the absence of grout – an area known for harbouring bacteria – making wall panels easier to clean and maintain. “Fibo’s tile-effect wall panels are made with lasered grout lines, which means specifiers can keep the tile aesthetic without the bacteria. “They only require a strong sealant between the minimal joins to create a robust, watertight seal and can simply we wiped down with a soft cloth with soap and water or a non-abrasive liquid cleaner.” Fibo’s wall panels are certified as meeting the requirements of ISO 22196:2011 and the JIS Z 2801 test procedure, which confirms that the surface prevents the growth of microorganisms. And facilities managers can use this specification to help choose surface materials with the greatest protection. Beattie said: “By carefully selecting products with antibacterial properties, specifiers can help to create a safe and hygienic environment, something that is essential for healthcare facilities.”
AN EXTRA LINE OF DEFENCE
Grandeco has impregnated its Pure & Protect Wallpaper range with Nobacoat, an transparent coating made using a mechanical process which kills 99.9% of germs in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for health and care settings. “With wall surfaces taking up large areas of healthcare facilities, it is vital that these surfaces are also made safe for the public,” said Patrick Molemans, chief executive of Grandeco WallFashion Group. “On top of being self disinfecting, our Pure & Protect range of wallpaper is also highly abrasion resistant, resilient to wear and tear, and washable. This means it will stay effective for at least 12 years. “This type of longevity is essential at a time when every healthcare team is looking closely at the bottom line budget.”
LIFETIME PROTECTION
Surface materials and medical equipment impregnated with Polygiene Group’s BioMaster antibacterial solution are widely used within the healthcare sector as it can be added to plastic, textile, paper, paint, or coatings at the point of manufacture, offering lifetime protection. A spokesman said: “Hygiene and cleaning protocols are essential in reducing the risk of cross contamination, but Polygiene gives an extra line of defence in significantly reducing bacterial growth. “From hospitals, to drop-in centres, clinics, and care homes, anywhere where infection control is essential can benefit from Polygiene technologies. “And, because it is embedded in the product, it is extremely cost effective, working 24/7 throughout its useful lifetime with no need for reapplications and only a small percentage of additive is needed in products to show efficacy against microbes. “Healthcare specifiers should no longer be dictated by cheapest cost for short-term goals, but should look at products and their role in longer-term objectives.”
