example , if we hadn ’ t adapted our practice based on new information , we would still be “ double-dipping ” our cloths and mops in disinfectants .
Key Learning : For environmental hygiene practice to be evidence-based , we must adapt quickly once new , credible information is available .
Ensure adequate supply for the next disaster
As Maya Angelou said , “ When someone shows you who they are , believe them the first time .” Were your vendors good partners during the pandemic ? This was an opportunity for vendors to demonstrate their true value to you . A good vendor partner ensured that existing customers kept receiving products and only took on additional customers as supply allowed . Now is a good time to ask your vendors if they are taking key learnings from the pandemic and applying them to prevent future product shortages when the next disaster strikes .
Key Learning : There are two questions you can ask your vendor partner to ensure that they are applying lessons learned from the pandemic to ensure adequate future supply .
➊ How are vendors ensuring adequate supply , production capabilities , raw material availability , and distribution capacity ? For example :
● By staying close to their customers to know and understand any changes in demand
● By ensuring responsive supply chains , and , where possible , planning with max lead time
We should continue or perhaps even increase our focus on cleaning and disinfection in areas beyond patient rooms and procedure areas .”
➋ How are vendors applying the learnings from this pandemic to develop and communicate response plans for the next pandemic or disaster ? For example :
● By sourcing and supplying customers from manufacturing operations close to the customer .
● By identifying potential bottlenecks in situations and reducing dependency on single sources or multi-source suppliers of raw materials .
Linda Homan , RN , BSN , CIC , is senior manager of clinical affairs for Ecolab .
References :
1 . Tyan K and Cohen PA . Investing in our first line of defense : Environmental services workers . Annals of Internal Medicine . 2020 ; 173 ( 4 ): 306-7 . doi : 10.7326 / M20-2237
2 . Cadnum JL , Pearlmutter BS , Jencson AL , et al . Microbial burden of inpatient and outpatient areas beyond patient hospital rooms . Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol . 2021 Jul 23 ; 1-5 . doi : 10.1017 / ice . 2021.309
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