Infection Prevention Strategies in Non-Acute Healthcare Environments

April 14, 2025

The healthcare landscape has undergone significant transformations, with an increasing number of procedures moving to non-acute care settings. This shift, coupled with heightened awareness of infection risks, has made robust infection prevention programs crucial for healthcare environments outside traditional hospitals. While acute care facilities have long-established protocols, non-acute facilities face unique challenges in maintaining rigorous infection prevention standards while delivering efficient, patient-centered care.

Design-Driven Prevention: Creating Spaces That Protect

The physical design of healthcare facilities plays a pivotal role in infection prevention. Modern non-acute care centers are moving away from traditional layouts to embrace designs that inherently support infection prevention. A well-planned facility should incorporate:

• Dedicated instrument processing areas and sterile storage

• Strategic patient flow patterns that minimize cross-contamination risks

• Separate clinical and non-clinical spaces

• Proper ventilation and air handling systems

• Easily cleanable surfaces and materials

• Adequate hand hygiene stations

• Clear separation between clean and dirty utility areas

• Cleanable surfaces and materials that are smooth, seamless and moisture-resistant

Dedicated Instrument Processing

A cornerstone of effective infection prevention is a purpose-built instrument processing space. Unlike older facilities where sterilization might share space with break rooms or storage areas, modern designs emphasize dedicated, centrally located instrument processing zones. This separation allows for better containment of contamination risks and helps create clear boundaries between clean and dirty areas. As recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association for the advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

The space should be easily accessible from all patient care areas while maintaining proper workflow segregation. This strategic positioning helps maintain efficiency without compromising sterility protocols or risking cross-contamination.

Patient Flow Innovation

Three key design approaches have emerged as particularly effective in reducing infection transmission risks:

1. Collaborative Care Model: This approach keeps patients in one location while bringing necessary services to them. By minimizing patient movement throughout the facility, it reduces potential exposure points and simplifies cleaning protocols between visits.

2. Self-Rooming System: This innovative approach eliminates traditional waiting areas, allowing patients to move directly to exam rooms. The strategy reduces congregation in common areas and minimizes surface contamination in high-traffic zones.

3. On-Stage/Off-Stage Design: This model creates separate corridors for staff and patients, reducing cross-traffic and allowing for more controlled environmental cleaning procedures.

Leverage Technology for Enhanced Safety

Modern infection prevention strategies leverage technology to strengthen traditional protocols. Real-time locating systems (RTLS) have become valuable tools for:

• Contact tracing in case of exposure events

• Monitoring room cleaning status

• Managing patient flow to prevent overcrowding

• Tracking equipment for proper sanitization

Five Steps of Instrument Processing

Effective infection prevention in non-acute settings relies heavily on proper instrument processing. A five step workflow based on CDC guidelines and AAMI best practices should include:

1. Receiving and Decontamination: Creating designated areas for sorting and cleaning contaminated instruments

2. Preparation and Packaging: Establishing proper inspection and wrapping protocols

3. Sterilization: Maintaining appropriate equipment and procedures

4. Monitoring/Sterility Assurance: Documenting every cycle and performing efficacy testing

5. Storage: Designing proper storage solutions that maintain sterility

Building a Culture of Prevention

Beyond physical design and protocols, successful infection prevention requires cultivating a workplace culture that prioritizes safety. This includes:

• Regular staff education on infection control procedures

• Clear communication of protocols and expectations

• Engagement of all staff levels in prevention efforts

• Continuous monitoring and improvement of processes

Facing Future Challenges

As healthcare continues to evolve, non-acute care facilities must stay adaptable in their approach to infection prevention. This means:

• Regularly updating protocols founded on evidence-based guidelines

• Investing in emerging technologies

• Maintaining flexibility in facility design to accommodate changing needs

• Building scalable systems that can manage increasing patient volumes

Creating Safer Spaces for Tomorrow's Care

The future of non-acute care depends on robust infection prevention strategies that balance safety with efficiency. By implementing thoughtful design, leveraging technology and maintaining rigorous protocols, non-acute care facilities can create environments that protect both patients and staff while delivering excellent care outcomes. As more complex procedures move to outpatient settings, these strategies will become increasingly crucial for maintaining safety and quality standards in healthcare delivery.

The success of infection prevention in non-acute care settings relies on a comprehensive approach that combines smart facility design, well-defined protocols and engaged staff. By focusing on these elements, healthcare organizations can create safer environments that support both optimal patient care and efficient operations.

For information about implementing infection prevention solutions in your healthcare facility, contact Midmark and learn about integrated approaches that enhance safety and efficiency.

Midmark medical solutions offer opportunities to transform your clinical space through thoughtful design that prioritizes infection prevention and control. Learn more by exploring our complete line of healthcare solutions that bring clinical space, technology and workflow together.