Exploration Of Surface-Programme Relationship As A Basis To Promote Hand Hygiene In Healthcare Waiting Area Setting

Abstract

Within a healthcare facility, surface directly correlates with the existing healthcare programme, as it allows the programme to perform in the space. In particular, this surface-programme relationship contributes towards the occurrence of disease transmission as contaminated surfaces have a significant impact on infection potential when healthcare staffs or patients come into contact with these surfaces. This paper presents a preliminary study that explores the spatial layout of a particular healthcare waiting area setting. The surface-programme relationship is analysed to reveal the potential of contact between surface and users. The results of observation and analysis indicated critical areas in the layout where hand hygiene practice becomes essential. It provides a recommendation on how hand hygiene could be promoted through the spatial configuration to prevent the possibility of infection. Overall, this paper gives a new perspective and a better understanding of how to respond to the healthcare-associated infection generally and the industrial demand on technological advancement in healthcare settings specifically.