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SWAT team investigations found that clutter in patient rooms contributed to elevated C. difficile rates, said Kate Duke, 5West Clinical Manager. Patient totes help reduce clutter.

Clutter in patient rooms can be a serious problem: all those medical supplies and equipment combined with patient belongings make it harder for housekeeping staff to thoroughly clean and disinfect, which in turn can lead to the spread of infection.

To help keep patient rooms tidy and minimize infection risks, the 5West-Hematology-Bone Marrow Transplant unit introduced patient totes in April 2013. Each patient receives a plastic container for belongings and is asked to keep everything together so that housekeeping can thoroughly clean all key areas, including the bedside table, overbed table, window ledge, toilet, shower and bathroom shelf.

“Patients report using the totes regularly,” said Kate Duke, 5West Clinical Manager. “I often see them on their bedside table, holding magazines, snacks etc. Using the totes gives staff more room to work when changing dressings, or if the patient requires additional medical supplies in the room. Overall I notice a decrease in clutter, and patients still have access to their belongings.”

Since the patient totes are so successful, they will soon be rolled out hospital-wide.

Reducing clutter is everyone’s responsibility.

• Patients and visitors: bring only the essentials to the hospital; leave windowsills clear.
• Staff: encourage patients to be part of their care environment; put equipment away properly.

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