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.