Environmental Services (EVS) staff provide critical cleaning and disinfection support in all areas of a healthcare organization. This includes areas where special consideration must be given to requirements of the setting that can directly affect how the EVS staff member operates in that environment as well as special cleaning processes and procedures. This can include locations where exposure to ionizing radiation, magnetic fields, stringent infection control practices, and at-risk patients (suicidal/violent) would necessitate additional training and potential competency demonstration for EVS staff to ensure they are prepared.
Our teams have noted that EVS staff training files often lack documentation of specialized training or competency for those members who provide services in radiology, behavioral health, or the peri-operative areas. Review of training files of healthcare staff members in these areas will have documentation of training on the risks of these specialized areas. Organizations define training and competencies required of their staff to ensure they can perform their duties safely and meet the requirements of their position. This is predominately based on law, regulations, equipment manufacturer’s instructions for use, and identified risks. Leaders should ensure that support staff that work in these areas, such as EVS, have documentation of training and/or competency to work in these unique environments.
Best practices we have observed include having EVS staff attend training on environmental risks along with the healthcare staff assigned to these areas. Other options would include remixing the content of these training events to fit the context of the target audience. Staff providing training or assessing competency must be qualified through knowledge, skills, or ability. Leaders should ensure that rounding includes questioning EVS staff on environmental practices unique to the location.
Please contact us for questions or more information at 704-573-4535 or info@courtemanche-assocs.com.
Courtemanche & Associates specializes in Healthcare Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance Consulting Services. With over 30 years of being in business and 100+ years of healthcare experience amongst our consulting team, we are ready to assist with your accreditation and regulatory compliance needs.
