DS 36 - Sustained Reduction of Microbial Burden and Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) Impact in Skilled Nursing Facility Through Advanced Photocatalysis (AP) Technology

Background: Despite evolution in disinfection practices and treatments, there is an increasing spread of multi-drug resistant organisms and HAIs. Without new countermeasures, antimicrobial resistance and untreatable infections will continue to rise. The study hypothesis is that utilization of continuous, facility-wide disinfection technology will reduce microbial burden in the environment of care, resulting in a decrease in HAIs and improved patient/resident outcomes.

Methods: A prospective controlled experimental study was performed in skilled nursing facilities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey from January 2023 to April 2023 to study the association between AP technology use and microbial burden reductions. Surveillance of aerobic bacterial, fungal, and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colony forming units (CFUs) on surfaces and floors was conducted prior to and post technology installation. Impacts on HAIs and hospital transfers (readmissions) were recorded and compared to the same extended observation period (February-July) one year prior. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze mean microbial burdens after each post activation period (significance p <.05).

Results: From baseline to final testing, the experimental site surface testing showed a 93% reduction in mean bacterial CFUs (p=.002); 96% reduction in mean fungal CFUs (p <.001); 97% reduction in mean MRSA CFUs (p <.001). Floor testing also showed reductions in mean CFUs for bacteria by 92% (p <.001); 96% for fungal (p <.001); 99% for MRSA (p <.001). The experimental facility observed reductions in HAIs (19%), and hospital transfers (20%) compared to the matched control facilities that increased 50% and 3.5% in the respective categories.

Conclusions: This study is on the pioneering edge of demonstrating that continuous and persistent disinfection technology can reduce contaminant reservoirs on surfaces and floors and improve resident/patient outcomes. The continuous nature of the decontamination modality, and its independence from human resources has significant implications for all environments of care.