In healthcare, the spotlight often shines brightest on the latest medical advancements, cutting-edge therapies and innovative treatments. Yet, in the backdrop of clinical excellence, there’s a silent hero: environmental services (EVS).
The impact of EVS on patient care, safety and satisfaction is profound. From reducing healthcare-associated infections to elevating the overall patient experience, driving operational efficiency in EVS and facilities management is a crucial aspect of healthcare delivery.
Pursuing excellence in healthcare EVS is not without challenges, though. It requires hiring and training qualified, engaged associates. Workflow processes need to be standardized and repeatable, while still remaining responsive to fluctuating patient volumes and needs. Meanwhile, institutions have to be compliant and stay updated on regulatory requirements, technologies and industry trends.
Working with a trusted partner like Aramark Healthcare+ provides an integrated, technology-driven approach to EVS that makes hospitals cleaner and safer for everyone — and that’s an investment that pays dividends.
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant threat to patient safety, prolonging hospital stays and worsening clinical outcomes.
Beyond the immediate clinical implications and increased healthcare costs, HAIs erode patient trust and confidence in the quality of care provided, negatively impacting a hospital’s reputation. The need for effective infection prevention and control measures is urgent.
Tapping into the power of an Aramark Healthcare+ partnership provides organizations with technology, expertise, innovation and services that drive measurable results in HAI prevention and infection control.
In one control study of eight hospitals, for example, cases of HO-CDI — the most common type of HAI — were reduced by 50 percent with the Aramark Healthcare+ and Ecolab Quality Assurance Program.
The acquisition of multidrug-resistant organisms like MRSA and VRE is also decreased with improved cleaning.
Adherence to stringent regulations and standards ensures not only the well-being of patients and staff, but also protects the healthcare institution. Failure to comply with regulations can result in severe consequences, including fines, reimbursement losses, legal exposure and reputational damage.
Partnering with an EVS provider that prioritizes compliance and stays abreast of evolving regulatory requirements helps healthcare institutions mitigate risks and maintain the highest standards of care.
Using strategic programs like Aramark Healthcare+’s Absolute Success Elements ensures EVS programs’ compliance and success.
From sanitation protocols to employee safety and training, best-practice solutions from an experienced partner ensure regulatory compliance and audit readiness — mitigating both costs and risks.
Adherence to stringent regulations and standards ensures not only the well-being of patients and staff, but also protects the healthcare institution. Failure to comply with regulations can result in severe consequences, including fines, reimbursement losses, legal exposure and reputational damage.
Partnering with an EVS provider that prioritizes compliance and stays abreast of evolving regulatory requirements helps healthcare institutions mitigate risks and maintain the highest standards of care.
FacilityFit Pro, for example, is a multi-service support solution from Aramark Healthcare+ that improves patient throughput. The information and management platform actively manages bed cleaning scheduling by tracking patient discharges, automating work requests and notifying nursing when rooms are ready.
Partnering with an EVS provider embedded in the community solves talent gaps and helps institutions avoid the risks that come with insufficient staffing. Aramark Healthcare+ provides access to talent acquisition resources that can help attract and retain qualified, engaged associates.
On top of that, industry-leading training programs ensure all staff receive the professional development and support they need to thrive in their roles. Proactive nurse engagement initiatives foster closer working relationships and enable EVS associates to better respond to the needs of patients, creating a skilled and fully engaged workforce that delivers outstanding service.
Efficient operations are incredibly powerful, not only for protecting a hospital’s margins and ensuring financial sustainability, but also for improving the overall patient experience.
By implementing repeatable processes, standardization and data-driven cleaning protocols, healthcare facilities can optimize resource utilization and drive cost savings. A programmatic, integrative EVS approach that combines first-in-class infection control with operational excellence has a direct impact on patient care and outcomes.
Through powerful insights provided by Facility Fit Pro, healthcare facilities can balance staff workloads, validate performance and better manage daily and on-demand tasks, ultimately increasing patient throughput and realizing cost savings from optimized labor.
Likewise, occupancy and space utilization data from AIWX™ Connect informs demand-driven cleaning schedules, strategic energy management and improved service response – reducing costs without compromising on quality.
Rapid advancements in EVS technologies and solutions present incredible opportunities for long-term cost savings and improved patient safety. From enhanced cleaning with autonomous robots to disinfection innovation to IoT data-driven intelligence, the options abound to improve operational excellence.
However, keeping up with the rapid pace of technological innovations and best practices can be challenging. Few, if any, hospitals have the luxury of an in-house team researching and developing EVS technology.
That’s one of the reasons why partnering with a trusted leader like Aramark Healthcare+ is so impactful: offering access to a dedicated team focused on creating new and innovative solutions to the most pressing EVS challenges.
Clean, well-maintained healthcare facilities instill confidence and convey a visual commitment to elevating the experience for patients, guests and caregivers alike.
A culture of service excellence starts with engaged staff. By providing ongoing training and support, EVS associates are empowered to go above and beyond in meeting patient needs through attention to detail and responsiveness.
Investing in state-of-the-art cleaning technologies, implementing rigorous sanitation protocols and ensuring prompt response to cleaning requests plays a pivotal role in creating environments that promote healing, comfort and safety.
Institutions that consistently exceed patient expectations not only foster trust and loyalty, but differentiate themselves as leaders in the industry, bolstering their reputation and strengthening relationships – an investment that has long-term returns.
