What Are the Best Practices for Cleaning an Urgent Care Facility?

Urgent care facilities are necessary to our healthcare system, providing immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions. In fact, the urgent care sector has experienced significant growth in the last two decades. This is partly due to the widening primary care gap and increasing customer need for "on-demand" and convenient healthcare.

The Urgent Care Association reports that patient volume jumped 60% since 2019. That equates to a record 11,150 urgent care centers popping up nationwide and growing at 7% a year. Aside from the health implications, good or bad, this leads to a lot of competition. And, even with out-of-pocket costs, people will choose the clinic that feels most comfortable to them.

These facilities must be clean, organized, and efficient to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients. As a facility manager, you play a crucial role in achieving this goal, and in this guide, we will explore the best practices you can utilize to maintain a clean and efficient urgent care facility.

Why is it Important to Have a Clean and Efficient Urgent Care?

Clean and efficient urgent care facilities are essential for several reasons:

Patient Safety

• Infection Control: A clean environment reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections, protecting patients and staff.
• Efficient Workflow: An organized and efficient facility ensures timely care, reducing wait times and added stress.

Patient Satisfaction

• Positive Experience: A clean and efficient facility improves patient experience.
• Reputation: Happy patients are more likely to recommend your facility and leave positive reviews.

Regulatory Compliance

• Accreditation: Meeting regulatory standards and maintaining a clean environment is essential for certification.
• Avoiding Fines: Non-compliance can lead to fines and legal issues.

How Do You Maintain Clean Urgent Care Facilities?

Consistency and CDC-aligned processes are key:

Daily Cleaning Procedures

To maintain a clean environment in your urgent care facility, consider implementing the following daily cleaning procedures:

Hand Hygiene Stations

• Ensure hand hygiene stations are well-stocked and easily accessible for staff, patients, and visitors.
• Regularly check and refill hand sanitizer dispensers and soap dispensers.

Waiting Areas

• Clean and disinfect waiting area surfaces regularly, paying close attention to high-touch areas like doorknobs, armrests, and magazine racks.
• Remove trash and debris promptly.

Examination Rooms

• Thoroughly clean and disinfect examination rooms after each patient visit.
• Replace disposable items, including table paper and gloves.

Restrooms

• Maintain clean and well-stocked restrooms.
• Regularly check and clean restroom fixtures and surfaces.

Common Areas

• Frequently clean and disinfect common areas like hallways, reception desks, and administrative offices.
• Pay special attention to shared equipment like computers and phones with small crevices needing cleaning.

Waste Management

• Properly dispose of medical waste according to regulatory guidelines.
• Regularly empty trash receptacles and replace liners.

Weekly and Monthly Cleaning Procedures

In addition to daily cleaning procedures, perform weekly and monthly cleaning tasks to maintain a consistently clean environment:

Deep Cleaning

• Schedule deep cleaning sessions for tile, grout, carpets, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas.
• Remember to dust the vents, windows, and light fixtures regularly to reduce airborne germs.

Equipment Maintenance

• Regularly inspect and maintain medical equipment, ensuring it is clean and in good working condition.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for equipment maintenance.

HVAC Systems

• Regularly change air filters in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maintain air quality.
• Schedule routine maintenance for HVAC systems to ensure efficient operation.

Pest Control

• Implement a pest control program to prevent infestations.
• Regularly inspect and address any signs of pests in the facility.

Compliance Audits

• Conduct regular compliance audits to ensure cleaning and infection control procedures meet regulatory standards.
• Address any areas of non-compliance promptly.

Staff Training

Properly trained staff are essential for maintaining a clean facility. Consider the following staff training tips:

Infection Control Training

• Provide regular training on infection control practices and protocols.
• Ensure staff understands the importance of hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and waste disposal.

Cleaning Protocols

• Train cleaning staff on the proper use of cleaning products and equipment.
• Emphasize the importance of thorough cleaning and disinfection in patient care areas.

Regulatory Compliance

• Keep staff updated on changing regulations and standards.
• Offer training sessions to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements.

Ensuring Efficiency in Urgent Care Facilities

Urgent care facilities' efficiency is crucial for prompt and effective medical care. Here are some strategies to improve efficiency:

Streamlined Patient Flow

• Triage Process: Implement an efficient triage system to assess patients quickly and prioritize their care based on the severity of their condition.
• Patient Registration: Simplify the registration process using electronic medical records and reducing paperwork.
• Patient Tracking: Electronic tracking systems monitor patient flow and reduce wait times.

Resource Allocation

• Staff Scheduling: Ensure adequate staffing levels during peak hours to minimize wait times and provide timely care.
• Resource Management: Optimize the allocation of medical supplies, equipment, and staff to reduce resource wastage.

Technology Integration

• Digital Radiology: Digital radiology and imaging systems are used for faster results and reduced patient wait times.
• Telehealth: Integrate telehealth services to provide patients with remote consultations and follow-up care.

Patient Communication

• Patient Education: Educate patients about the facility's services and the importance of visiting for urgent care needs rather than going to the ER for non-life-threatening conditions.
• Clear Communication: Ensure clear communication between staff members and departments to prevent misunderstandings and delays.
• Feedback Systems: Establish patient feedback mechanisms to identify improvement areas and promptly address patient concerns.

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

Efficiency and cleanliness should be continuously monitored and improved. This can be achieved through the following steps:

Data Analysis

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Define and monitor patient wait times, cleanliness, and compliance KPIs.
• Patient Feedback: Analyze patient feedback and complaints to identify areas for improvement.

Quality Improvement Teams

• Cross-Functional Teams: Form cross-functional teams involving staff from different departments to brainstorm and implement process improvements.
• Regular Meetings: Hold regular meetings to review performance data, share best practices, and discuss areas of concern.

Regulatory Compliance

• Regular Audits: Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and accreditation requirements.
• Training and Education: Provide ongoing training to staff members to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest regulations.

Maintaining clean and efficient urgent care facilities is essential for patient safety, regulatory compliance, and patient satisfaction, and you play a critical role as a facility manager. Learn how you can optimize your patients' wellbeing with OpenWorks' comprehensive healthcare facility cleaning services.