Page 68 - Q BULLETIN, Ministry of Health Malaysia, VOLUME 1, NO. 31 (SUPPLEMENT 1), JAN-DEC 2022

Q Bulletin, Volume 1, No. 31 (Supplement 1), Jan - Dec 2022
th
11 National QA Convention, 4 – 6 October 2022
PP-30

Improving the Knowledge and Practice of Terminal Cleaning Procedures among
Housekeeping Staff in Pantai Hospital, Manjung

Marlia M, Nur Zahiah Z, Suzana S, Maizatul A, Lina M
Pantai Hospital Manjung, Perak

SELECTION OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT:
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sudden rise in hospital admissions. Thus, forcing stringent terminal
cleaning practices among the housekeeping staff. Our initial questionnaires exhibited below-average results on
knowledge (76%) and practice (49%) compared to the previous studies.

KEY MEASURES FOR IMPROVEMENT:
To improve the knowledge and practice score of terminal cleaning procedures among the housekeeping staff
to 85% and more than 90%, respectively.

PROCESS OF GATHERING INFORMATION:
Self-administered questionnaires and compliance audit checklists were distributed to 20 housekeeping staff.
Root cause analysis was conducted using a fishbone diagram and 5 WHYs. The contributing factors were
inadequate tools and poor monitoring of terminal cleaning procedures, no competency monitoring, and no
proper checklist on the process.

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION:
The initial KAP questionnaires scored only knowledge of only 76% and practice at 49%, which is below
average compared to other similar studies.

STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE:
One-week intensive training was conducted to improve the housekeeping staff’s knowledge and practice
scores of terminal cleaning procedures. A terminal cleaning monitoring system was introduced consisting of a
terminal cleaning competency checklist, an environmental checklist for supervisors, and flow charts for quick
referral. In addition, Glo Germs fluorescent pens were used to monitor any missed areas.

EFFECT OF CHANGE:
Post-intervention questionnaires showed improvement in both studied aspects, the knowledge score (89%) and
practice score (96%). The time taken for terminal cleaning procedures has also been reduced by 15%.

THE NEXT STEP:
We plan to achieve 100% knowledge and practice scores of the terminal cleaning procedures by July 2022. The
adopted questionnaires will be used to assess the training efficiency. The improved training and audit method
will be shared with relevant supervisors for continuous assessment and training.

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