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Healthcare
Research shows closed pipe systems reduces hospital bacteria
A report from the Public Health Agency of Sweden in 2023 showed that up to SEK 1.6 billion could be saved in healthcare simply by reducing the number of patients who acquire healthcare-associated infections. By revising logistics, hospital waste management, and improving medical procedures, infection spread can be reduced.
Research shows closed pipe systems for dirty laundry and waste significantly reduce hospital bacteria compared to standard waste management methods
A report from the Public Health Agency of Sweden in 2023 showed that up to SEK 1.6 billion could be saved in healthcare simply by reducing the number of patients who acquire healthcare-associated infections. By revising logistics, hospital waste management, and improving medical procedures, infection spread can be reduced.
The study reveals that closed pipe systems for dirty laundry and hospital waste disposal can significantly reduce the amount of bacteria in hospitals compared to traditional laundry and waste management methods. This could potentially lower healthcare costs, as the spread of pathogens and MRSA greatly contributes to extended patient stays, leading to increased expenses. There are potentially billions to be saved in healthcare simply by transitioning to more closed systems that reduce infection transmission.
In the study titled “Automated Hermetically Sealed vs. Conventional Waste Management Systems in Hospitals: A Comparative Study of Microbial Presence”, Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems students Simon Britzelli and Kylie Aziz from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm examined the effectiveness of automated hermetically sealed laundry and hospital waste management systems compared to conventional waste management methods in hospitals, focusing on their impact on microbial presence.
Through a comparative analysis between “Hospital A”, specifically equipped with Envac’s automated system, and “Hospital B”, which uses the conventional method, the study quantified bacterial contamination levels using colony-forming units (CFU). “Hospital A” has used Envac’s smart waste disposal system since 1972, transporting hospital waste in hermetically sealed pipes hidden within the hospital’s structure—behind walls, under floors, and in culverts. “Hospital B” is currently working on implementing an automated waste disposal system from Envac.
Note: Hospitals A and B are two existing, working hospitals in Sweden.
Results Point to Significantly Reduced Bacteria with Automated, Hermetically Sealed Systems
The study provides crucial insights into hospital waste management. Effective hospital waste disposal is vital for controlling the spread of bacteria within healthcare facilities. Hospital waste includes various materials, such as used medical supplies, contaminated items, and other types of waste that can harbour pathogenic microorganisms. Without effective management and disposal of this waste, the risk of cross-contamination between waste, patients, healthcare staff, and the hospital environment increases.
The study’s results showed a 49.3% lower average CFU count and a 6.10% lower median CFU count at “Hospital A” compared to “Hospital B”, indicating that automated systems significantly reduce microbial contamination. The Mann-Whitney U-test yielded a p-value of 0.055, providing limited statistical support for the difference in microbial load between the hospitals. Nonetheless, the results suggest the potential for automated waste management systems to improve hospital sanitation and patient safety.
Simon Britzelli notes that “Automated waste management is an exciting prospect, and the results from our study are promising for the system’s impact on hygiene in a hospital environment.”
Magnus Sjöstrand, Healthcare expert from Envac comments on the results: “This is definitely something that should be taken into account when revising logistics for new and existing hospitals. We hope this study and its findings can increase understanding of how crucial efficient laundry and waste logistics are in a healthcare facility, not only for the logistics themselves but also for safer patient care.”
A New Area of Study
No evidence-based studies have previously been conducted in this area. While studies exist on which bacteria/infections are present in dirty laundry and waste, none have examined how logistics systems contribute to their spread during collection and storage.
“A major difference we observe between the methods of handling waste and laundry is that we eliminate the interim storage of waste and laundry on the ward. Interim storage due to the use of trolleys and bins is common, even in places where modern AGV* management* is used. These waste areas/rinse rooms are often both warm and humid, creating the perfect breeding ground for the growth and spread of pathogens. With this study, we see that we are helping to highlight a topic that has not been properly studied.”
Magnus Sjöstrand commented on the results.
In communication with architects and healthcare providers, the placement of laundry and waste chutes is being reviewed to reduce the spread of infections, as well as to improve logistics and the working environment for healthcare staff.
*AGV (Automated Guided Vehicles) are self-driving machines used to transport goods or materials automatically in places like warehouses, hospitals, or factories.
Working on this study has been incredibly rewarding and has deepened our understanding of how automated waste management can influence bacterial presence in hospital settings. The next step in this research would be to explore more sampling locations and other methods of investigation, which would provide a deeper understanding of the technology’s potential in hospital environments.
Advantages for hospitals using a hermetically sealed pipe system are numerous
Envac’s hospital system differs from our standard automated vacuum collection system for linen and waste. The systems handle general waste, dirty laundry, and infectious waste. The four types are transported through separate pipes within the same system to address the challenges of clean and safe disposal of laundry, waste, recyclables, and infectious hospital/risk waste.
The risk of potential accidents and hospital-acquired infections is reduced. The Envac system creates a more hygienic environment while also lowering operational costs. During the collection of waste, laundry, and infectious hospital waste in an Envac waste disposal system, physical contact between people and contaminated materials is minimized. Waste and laundry are transported through separate sealed pipe systems instead of on trolleys in corridors and lifts, creating a safer environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
The ability to separate contaminated flows, such as through separate chutes in each ward instead of a common waste room, is an area for improvement highlighted in experience feedback reports from SKR (Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions) following the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Envac, we thank Simon and Kylie for their fantastic work on the study and look forward to continued research in this field!
Contact person regarding this article:
Magnus Sjöstrand, Healthcare expert, Envac
Email: magnus.sjostrand@envac.se
Phone: +4670-856 24 61