INSIGHT & ANALYTICS

THE CLIENT

Global manufacturer of solutions and services supporting healthcare facilities in the fight to protect patients against HAIs was commercializing a new technology for decontaminating hospital rooms to prevent transmission of MRSA and C. Difficile

THE BUSINESS CHALLENGE

The key concern of the client and expert was not “does it work?” but rather, “how does this fit into existing guidance and institutional protocols?” The client was challenged with the need to navigate the multiple guidelines, recommendations, and best practices relevant to this equipment, as well as engage a broad range of stakeholders in the adoption decision process

OUR APPROACH

We convened a multidisciplinary advisory panel to identify key barriers to uptake/implementation, which led to identification of conflicting guidelines/protocols for hospital decontamination. We then conducted a systematic evaluation of 36 guidelines governing environmental decontamination (including Joint Commission, CDC, SHEA, and others) and identified 5 areas that could be updated and streamlined with more recent and accurate information. We shared the results of our assessment with the advisory panel to discuss how to implement these changes through a multifaceted educational campaign that included:
• Engagement of external experts for multidisciplinary advisory boards
• Evidence-based scientific communication platforms and plans
• Live and online educational events focused on the impact of the hospital environment in HAI transmission, with a focus on MRSA, C. diff. and the role of various stakeholders

THE RESULTS

Clearly articulated strategy to incorporate this new technology into hospital protocols and processes
Systematic evidence-based approach that was compelling to advisors and encouraged them to seek guideline updates
Standing-room only attendance at live educational events reaching a truly multidisciplinary audience (from infectious disease MDs to infection control nurses and environmental services)