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Cleaning and infection control

Keeping virtual care equipment clean and safe between patients.

What this is: practical cleaning and infection control for virtual care equipment.

Who it's for: the staff who use and clean the equipment, and the managers who set the standard.

The same standard as any clinical equipment

Virtual care peripherals touch patients, so they carry the same infection risk as any clinical device. Treat them the same way. Follow your service's infection prevention and control policy and the manufacturer's cleaning guidance for each device. Where the two differ, the manufacturer's guidance protects the device, and your policy protects the patient. Follow both.

Clean between every patient

  • Clean any device that touched the patient before the next patient, every time.
  • Clean shared surfaces the patient or team touched, such as the desk and any controls.
  • Use the cleaning product your policy and the manufacturer specify. The wrong product can damage a device or leave it unsafe.

Peripherals that touch the patient

  • Pay particular attention to devices used on skin, in ears, or near the mouth, such as the stethoscope, otoscope and examination camera.
  • Use single-use covers or tips where the device is designed for them, and dispose of them properly.
  • Do not let cleaning fluid get into ports or openings unless the guidance says it is safe.

Hand hygiene

  • Clean your hands before and after each patient, as you would for any consult.
  • Clean your hands after handling equipment, before you touch the patient.

Shared and mobile equipment

  • A portable kit moves between rooms and sites, so clean it when you move it, not just at the end of the day.
  • On outreach, carry what you need to clean equipment in the field.
  • If more than one person uses a device in a session, agree who cleans it and when.

Storage

  • Store equipment clean, dry and charged, ready for next time.
  • Keep devices off the floor and away from contamination.
  • Check devices for damage when you store them, and report anything that needs repair.

Need help?

Visionflex acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging.