About the Project

In November 2005, the Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee (OHTAC) recommended that Healthcare Human Factors evaluate the current use of in-room HEPA cleaners in Ontario hospitals. The evaluation sought to answer the following two questions:

i) How are in-room HEPA cleaners being used and supported in Ontario healthcare facilities and what are the major concerns with current practices?
ii) What are the recommended practices for Ontario healthcare facilities to improve the effectiveness of in- room HEPA cleaners?

Sixteen hospitals geographically dispersed around the province participated in phone interviews. Of these sixteen hospitals, six site visits were made to observe and further understand how in-room HEPA cleaners were being used and supported. In addition, three vendors and two service providers of in-room HEPA cleaners were interviewed to garner their perspective on the overall application, use and support of this technology.

National and international standards and guidelines were researched to establish best practice. Also, an Infection Control Expert Panel (ICEP) was convened for their advice on the arising issues from the field research.

The evaluation determined that there are a wide variety of options associated with this technology and that there was a need for guidance regarding its safe and effective use.

The Healthcare Human Factors team compiled a report that presents a sequential series of recommendations to support facilities to appropriately plan, acquire, configure, commission, operate and support in-room HEPA cleaners. The presented recommendations can be used by those health care facilities looking to purchase in-room HEPA cleaners, and also by those who currently use this technology, to verify current practices. The recommendations are in keeping with OHTAC’s initial recommendations (Nov 2005), but provide further details.


Road map to the effective and safe use of in-room HEPA cleaners.






Various HEPA cleaners installed at survey sites.

Impact

The evaluation determined that there are a wide variety of options associated with this technology and that there was a need for guidance regarding its safe and effective use.

Healthcare Human Factors compiled a report that presents a sequential series of recommendations to support facilities to appropriately plan, acquire, configure, commission, operate and support in-room HEPA cleaners. The presented recommendations can be used by those health care facilities looking to purchase in-room HEPA cleaners, and also by those who currently use this technology, to verify current practices. The recommendations are in keeping with OHTAC’s initial recommendations (Nov 2005), but provide further details.