Wheelchairs are essential medical-related utensils in medical institutions that come into contact with patients and, if not handled properly, can spread bacteria and viruses. The best method for cleaning and disinfecting wheelchairs is not provided in the existing specifications, due to the complex and diverse structure and function of wheelchairs, which are composed of different materials (such as metal frames, cushions, circuits), some of which are the patient’s personal belongings, the patient’s personal use. Some are hospital items, one or several of which are shared by different patients. Long-term wheelchair users may be people with physical disabilities or chronic diseases, which also increases the risk of the spread of drug-resistant bacteria and nosocomial infections.

Using qualitative research methods, Chinese researchers investigated the current status of wheelchair cleaning and disinfection in 48 medical institutions in China.

Disinfection of wheelchairs

Wheelchairs in 1.85% of medical institutions are cleaned and disinfected by themselves. 

2.15% of the wheelchairs in medical institutions regularly entrust external companies for deep cleaning and disinfection.

clean way

1.52% of medical institutions use common chlorine-containing disinfectants to wipe and disinfect.

2.23% of medical institutions use manual cleaning and mechanical disinfection. Mechanical disinfection uses a mixture of hot water, detergents and chemical disinfectants for disinfection. 

3.13% of medical institutions use spray to disinfect wheelchairs.

4.12% of medical institutions do not know the cleaning and disinfection methods of wheelchairs.

The results of the survey in Canadian medical institutions are not optimistic. There is little data on the cleaning and disinfection of wheelchairs in the existing research. Because the wheelchairs used in each medical institution are different, this study does not give specific cleaning and disinfection. However, in response to the above survey results, the researchers summarized some suggestions and implementation methods according to some problems found in the survey:

1. The wheelchair must be cleaned and disinfected if there is blood or obvious contamination after use

Implementation: The process of cleaning and disinfection must be implemented. Disinfectants certified by medical institutions must be used, and the concentration must be specified. Disinfectants and disinfection facilities should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Cushions and armrests should be regularly monitored. Surface damage should be Replace in time.

2. Medical facilities must have rules and regulations for wheelchair cleaning and disinfection

Implementation plan: Who is responsible for cleaning and disinfection? How often? What is the way?

3. The feasibility of cleaning and disinfection should be considered before the wheelchair is purchased

Implementation options: Hospital infection management and wheelchair users should be consulted prior to purchase, and manufacturers should be consulted for specific implementation methods for cleaning and disinfection.

4. Staff should be trained in wheelchair cleaning and disinfection

Implementation plan: The responsible person must know the maintenance, cleaning and disinfection methods and methods of wheelchairs, and timely train the personnel when replacing them, so that they can clarify their responsibilities.

5. Medical institutions should have a traceability mechanism for wheelchair use

Implementation: Clean and contaminated wheelchairs should be clearly marked, special patients (such as patients with infectious diseases transmitted by contact, patients with multidrug-resistant bacteria) should use a fixed wheelchair, and other patients should ensure that they are cleaned and disinfected before use. The process has been completed, and the patient should be terminally sterilized when they are discharged from the hospital.

The above suggestions and implementation methods are not only applicable to the cleaning and disinfection of wheelchairs, but can also be applied to more medical-related products in medical institutions, such as wall-mounted automatic blood pressure monitors commonly used in outpatient departments. Methods for cleaning and disinfection management.