Profile of environmental service managers and workers in Brazilian hospitals

Abstract

Introduction: Contamination through the hands of professionals and surfaces is one of the main agents involved in health care-associated infections in health services. Flaws in the execution of hospital housekeeping can lead to the contamination of surfaces and health equipment though, representing a risk for patient safety and highlighting the need to maximize the quality of cleaning processes in these institutions.

Objective: To describe the profile of managers and environmental service workers (ESWs) in Brazilian hospitals.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in January 2018, involving 155 participants, being 12 managers and 143 workers from the housekeeping team of two health institutions, being one private and the other public.

Results: Most participants were female (86%), with a mean age of 45 years and primary education level, 52% being outsourced workers. The participants positively assessed their job satisfaction, satisfaction with training, basic knowledge and performance; nevertheless, situations were identified that were perceived as risks for patient safety and occupational health. The questions involving motivational incentives received the lowest scores.

Conclusion: Inconsistencies were found in the housekeeping professionals'. Preparation, indicating that the institutions studied do not value this type of service and that an investment policy in these workers' motivation is lacking.

Keywords: Cross infection; Education, continuing; Housekeeping, hospital; Nursing; Patient safety.