Use of automated room disinfection systems in the healthcare environment: A national survey.

Background: Automated room disinfection systems (ARDSs) have been increasingly adopted worldwide to address emerging infectious diseases and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Aim: This study aims to assess the current use of ARDSs in acute healthcare settings across South Korea.

Methods: A nationwide online survey was conducted in 150 tertiary general hospitals. It evaluated the use of ARDSs, prior experiences, barriers to adoption, and reasons for satisfaction and dissatisfaction.

Findings: 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). The majority of systems were implemented following the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreak. UV-C systems were predominantly used in examination and isolation rooms, while aHP and vHP systems 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 expressing intent for continued use. Barriers to adoption included high maintenance costs, uncertainty regarding UV-C efficacy, challenges in operating aHP systems, and high purchase costs for vHP systems.

Conclusion: 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.