Use of automated room disinfection systems in the health care environment: A national survey

Abstract

Background

Automated room disinfection systems (ARDSs) have been increasingly adopted worldwide to address emerging infectious diseases and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study aims to assess the current use of ARDSs in acute health care settings across South Korea.

Methods

A nationwide online survey was conducted in 150 tertiary general hospitals and identified the experiences of ARDS use.

Results

Among the hospitals surveyed, 32.7% used ultraviolet C (UV-C), 26.0% used aerosolized hydrogen peroxide (aHP), and 15.3% used vaporized hydrogen peroxide (vHP). Most systems were adopted after the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreak. UV-C was mainly used in examination and isolation rooms, while aHP and vHP were used in isolation rooms. Satisfaction rates were 81.6% for UV-C, 76.9% for aHP, and 78.3% for vHP, with 91.3% to 94.9% of respondents intending to continue use. Barriers to adoption included high maintenance costs, uncertainty about UV-C efficacy, challenges with aHP systems, and high costs for vHP systems.

Conclusions

To increase the adoption of ARDSs, addressing high maintenance costs and confirming the disinfection efficacy of these systems is crucial. Enhancing convenience, cost-effectiveness, operational efficiency, and developing user guidelines and educational programs will be essential for the effective utilization of ARDSs.