The following white paper was provided by Arc-Com, a leading supplier of high performance textiles to Imperial Privacy Systems.

COMPARISON OF WASHABLE WOVEN, X-STATIC® & DISPOSABLE PRIVACY CURTAINS

There are many stakeholders that impact the standard of care in medical facilities and clinics: Medical staff, Environmental Services and Maintenance staff, Infectious Disease Control teams, Facility Design services and the financial operations of the respective institutions. Over the last few years, all of these stakeholders have been brought into the discussion around woven privacy curtains vs. disposables. The purpose of this White Paper is to explore the merits and economics of woven curtains, including those with X-Static antimicrobial protection, relative to those of disposables.

There are four privacy curtain options that these stakeholders are considering:
• Disposables with and without antimicrobials.
• Woven or Woven with X-Static antimicrobial protection technology.

Before we begin, what is the X-Static Technology and why is it unique? X-Static is the most effective and safest soft surface antimicrobial solution available today. X-Static has been extensively tested and validated in the most demanding applications and environments. X-Static fibers are manufactured with a permanently bonded layer of 99.9% pure metallic silver. X-Static is not nano-technology or a complex chemistry that can be washed out. It is just pure silver that has powerful antimicrobial properties that creates an ionic shield that permanently inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi and protects the curtain and extends the life of the product. With any significant decision on privacy curtains, there are always many considerations. This
White Paper will explore several factors that are worth consideration:


Long-Term Performance

Woven, washable privacy curtains will last longer. When properly laundered in connection with the instructions (usually regular commercial laundering), fabric curtains will provide years of service. Woven curtains with the X-Static technology require minimal laundering as the surface is constantly “self-cleaning” against bacteria and fungi.

One of the issues healthcare systems have been facing with woven privacy curtains is the misallocation or loss of curtains as systems have gotten larger and many have outsourced laundering to common external facilities. While regular woven curtains should be laundered periodically, X-Static curtains can be spot cleaned for stains and laundered less frequently than regular wovens. Disposables must be changed more frequently, and the more change-outs, the more the lifetime usage cost increases.

Antimicrobial Technology

Both washable and disposable curtains can use antimicrobial treatment. However, surface treatments provide no assurances of efficacy or actual presence and recent movements to reduce chemistries, including nanotechnologies, limit the options available to healthcare institutions. X-Static is NOT a surface treatment or a chemistry and is irreversibly bound to a fiber which is woven into the privacy curtain. Seeing is believing. The permanent performance does not diminish with washing or passage of time and pure silver is NOT harmful to patients, or staff.

Décor and Aesthetics

Woven designs provide a warmer, more soothing, experience for the patient. Woven fabrics have a better feel (the “Hand”) and are generally visible on both sides of the curtain, by design. Many disposables offer generic, printed designs on only one side of the curtain. Disposables are usually film-coated paper without the vibrance of color or Hand.

Maintenance (Change-out)

Both types of curtains can employ snaps and or removable panels to enable more efficient change-out. The process of swapping panels for either regularly scheduled maintenance or to replace a soiled panel reduces the need for woven or disposable inventory. Panels also reduce the time and cost of change-outs by medical and maintenance staff. The advantage of wovens with the X-Static Technology is impactful here as no cleaning is really necessary unless the curtains are visibly dirty.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

There are many factors to assess when considering our environment, but wovens have a clear advantage over disposables. Laundering does consume energy and water. Detergents and other cleaning chemistries are used to clean, but waste water can be treated, chemistries removed and water returned to the ground. Further, wovens can be recycled or upcycled to avoid landfills. Disposables are bio-waste and should be red-bagged, which unfortunately limits the recyclability of the disposables. Some systems do not treat disposables like bio-waste or recycle, and in those cases, disposables wind up in landfills, which given the number of curtains per healthcare system all over the world, and a normal and reasonable change-out schedule, will lead to massive landfill usage from disposables.

Initial and Recuring Operating Costs

While the upfront cost of disposables is less expensive than wovens, that is NOT the complete story! Healthcare institutions focused on reducing costs should consider the LIFETIME cost of usage, or the cost per curtain over the useful life, as well as the breakeven period (where usage costs are the same). Below are our assumptions for an illustrative analysis: 

Here are the calculations:



1. Results may vary from state to state.
2. We have assumed a loss factor, although with different institutions this may not be relevant. 

The cost of ownership is ~50% cheaper with the woven X-Static curtains over disposables on an annual basis. Further, the breakeven point (where costs are the same) is only ~2.5 years.

Appropriateness

In certain areas, where privacy curtains are changed multiple times per day due to soiling, disposables may be more practical. However, in places where curtains are only periodically changed, having the protection of an antimicrobial agent that is constantly working without complex chemistries, is a beneficial part of an effective infection prevention program.

Observations / Conclusion

• Assumptions can change the outcome of the analysis, but the lifetime savings of wovens with X-Static improves as the number of change-outs of disposables increases.
• Wovens without X-Static will be cheaper to deploy, but do not offer comparable efficacy or lifetime defense against microbials. Many healthcare institutions are trying to avoid additional chemistries, which makes regular wovens more susceptible to microbial impacts.
• Every healthcare system will have its own protocols for laundering and change-out, but what we include in this analysis are the minimum amount of change- outs to ensure patient safety.

X-Static wovens, coupled with an effective Infectious disease protocol, can help reduce the hospital acquired infections and improve the patient experience and standard of care.

Click here to download the original white paper.


© 2022 Arc-Com

Maintaining an environment free of germs is paramount in healthcare facilities. Typically, this is achieved through routine cleaning of floors, disinfection of high-touch point surfaces, changing beddings and curtains, and administering prophylactic antibiotics to patients, among many other aseptic measures.

While conventional methods of asepsis are quite beneficial, hospital-acquired infections have continued to pose a significant risk to the health of admitted patients. In addition to contaminated door knobs, walls, and equipment, one possible source of dangerous organisms that is often ignored is the hospital privacy curtain. Privacy curtains (also known as cubicle curtains) are a staple of healthcare environments and are necessary for hospitals and nursing homes to help maintain patient privacy and dignity. Maintaining privacy can provide higher quality rest and potentially lead to improved patient outcomes. Despite the obvious benefits, curtains must be handled appropriately to achieve their desired outcome.

Studies show that if curtain are improperly washed, they may not be effectively rid of pathogens. At times, facilities and maintenance personnel are not aware of the intended maintenance and sanitization schedule and contaminated curtains are allowed to stay in place. These curtains are frequently handled by healthcare personnel and patients, which can promote the spread of pathogens. In response to this issue, privacy curtains with antimicrobial properties have become a viable option for most hospitals to curtail the proliferation and spread of germs that can compromise the health of patients and hospital personnel. However, some experts have suggested that antimicrobial curtains pose significant problems, including the risk of facilitating the development of antibiotic-resistant microbes [2].

This article will elaborate on the pros and cons of antimicrobial privacy curtains in hospitals and allow healthcare professionals to decide which product best suites their facility.


What are the merits of antimicrobial privacy curtains?

Undoubtedly, antimicrobial privacy curtains have significantly impacted the degree of infection control in healthcare institutions. Some of the benefits of these curtains include:

• They help to prevent hospital-acquired infections: Hospital-acquired infections pose a significant threat to the quality of healthcare and the safety of patients in many centers. A study to determine the prevalence and time course of bacterial contamination on privacy curtains in 2 intensive care units and a medical ward with 30 rooms and 43 privacy curtains discovered that 95% of the total number of curtains demonstrated contamination on at least one occasion, including 21% with Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus within the duration of the study [3]. The result of this study is significant because it reinforces the need for closely monitored curtain maintenance procedures to reduce the burden of microbes in hospitals.

In another similar study, an outbreak of group A streptococcus (GAS) in a tertiary referral center's Ear, Nose, and Throat ward was traced to the tracheostomy tube of a patient with Group A Streptococcus and generated a chain of transmission from the medical staff to a privacy curtain to other patients on the ward [4]. Two patients on that ward with laryngeal cancer developed Group A Streptococcus-associated cellulitis within 48 hours of the outbreak, posing a significant risk to their health [4].

The utilization of antimicrobial cubicle curtains can potentially curtail the transmission of infections in hospitals similar to the cases listed above due to their intrinsic ability to prevent the growth of bacteria [5].

• They are resistant to contamination: Unlike conventional hospital curtains, antimicrobial privacy curtains are not easily contaminated. In a study carried out by American scientists, traditional and antimicrobial curtains were randomly fixed in 9 medical intensive care units (ICUs) and 21 surgical ICU rooms [6]. The scientists subsequently cultured swabs samples from both curtains to determine their level of contamination [6]. The results showed that antimicrobial curtains took longer to get contaminated than conventional privacy curtains, which in turns reduces the required frequency of washing. Once contaminated, the antimicrobial curtains also showed a lower level of contamination [6].
Another study by medical researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine indicated that bacterial colonization of antimicrobial cubicle curtains is minimal [5]. The study showed a significant reduction in the colony-forming units of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or extended-spectrum-producing organisms (Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae), which are pathogens that prove to be very difficult to control in healthcare settings [5]. Even after one month of hanging these antimicrobial privacy curtains, there were lower contamination levels with these pathogens compared to the standard privacy curtains [5].

• Antimicrobial cubicle curtains are more effective for control of germs than disinfecting standard curtains: Standard laundry processes have been used for decades to reduce the burden of hospital-acquired pathogens with mixed results; a study carried out in a clinic setting on cultures obtained from the cubicle curtains before laundering, immediately after laundering and an interval of one and three weeks after laundering determined that the process of laundering was not 100% effective, as Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Micrococcus species were present even after laundry[8]. Several studies have suggested that antimicrobial curtains prevent the growth of these deadly pathogens [5] [6]. One study found that it took antimicrobial curtains 27.6 times longer to get contaminated when compared to regular curtains [1]. The research showed that even after prolonged use in a busy clinical environment, antimicrobial privacy curtains effectively reduced the microbial load and MDRO (multi-drug resistant organism) contamination compared to the regular curtain [1].


What are the Cons of antimicrobial privacy curtains?

Although antimicrobial curtains are associated with many benefits, a few concerns have also been raised. They include:

• Possible risk of the development of antibiotic-resistant organisms: Some researchers have suggested that these antimicrobial privacy curtains may increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance [2]. Studies have identified mechanisms of resistance to antimicrobial chemicals used in various types of coatings for curtains [2] [8]. It can impact patient care as these drug-resistant pathogens may infect them. Additionally, antibiotic-privacy curtains could undermine the campaign against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.

• Antimicrobial curtains are intrinsically toxic: The biocidal agents in antimicrobial coatings of privacy curtains in hospitals have been described as inherently toxic [2]. It is an important characteristic required for their efficacy. These agents can harm humans, animals, and the environment if measures are not implemented to control their use adequately. Furthermore, studies indicate that some biocidal agents are more harmful to aquatic organisms than pathogens [2]. It implies that washing these curtains could contaminate water bodies and harm marine animals.

• Additional research is needed to elucidate the association between antimicrobial privacy curtains and the development of antibiotic resistance. Some experts have advocated limited use of antimicrobial agents in coatings of hospital materials [2].

• Ultimately, there is a need to reach a balance between the benefits and risks associated with the use of antimicrobial privacy curtains. Further research and adherence to safety measures can help ensure that patient safety is guaranteed and the development of hospital-acquired infections is reduced significantly.

REFERENCES
1. Luk, S., Chow, V. C. Y., Yu, K. C. H., Hsu, E. K., Tsang, N. C., Chuang, V. W. M., Lai, C. K. C., Hui, M., Lee, R. A., Lai, W. M., Que, T. L., Fung, S. C., To, W. K., Cheng, V. C. C., & Wong, A. T. Y. (2019). Effectiveness of antimicrobial hospital curtains on reducing bacterial contamination-A multicenter study. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology: The Official Journal of the Society of Hospital Epidemiologists of America, 40(2), 164–170. https://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2018.315
2. Ahonen, M., Kahru, A., Ivask, A., Kasemets, K., Kõljalg, S., Mantecca, P., Vinković Vrček, I., Keinänen-Toivola, M., & Crijns, F. (2017). Proactive approach for safe use of antimicrobial coatings in healthcare settings: Opinion of the COST action network AMiCI. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(4), 366. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14040366
3. Ohl, M., Schweizer, M., Graham, M., Heilmann, K., Boyken, L., & Diekema, D. (2012). Hospital privacy curtains are frequently and rapidly contaminated with potentially pathogenic bacteria. American Journal of Infection Control, 40(10), 904–906. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2011.12.017
4. Mahida, N., Beal, A., Trigg, D., Vaughan, N., & Boswell, T. (2014). Outbreak of invasive group A streptococcus infection: contaminated patient curtains and cross-infection on an ear, nose and throat ward. The Journal of Hospital Infection, 87(3), 141–144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2014.04.007
5. Al-Tawfiq, J. A., Bazzi, A. M., Rabaan, A. A., & Okeahialam, C. (2019). The effectiveness of antibacterial curtains in comparison with standard privacy curtains against transmission of microorganisms in a hospital setting. Le Infezioni in Medicina: Rivista Periodica Di Eziologia, Epidemiologia, Diagnostica, Clinica e Terapia Delle Patologie Infettive, 27(2), 149–154. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31205037/
6. Schweizer, M., Graham, M., Ohl, M., Heilmann, K., Boyken, L., & Diekema, D. (2012). Novel hospital curtains with antimicrobial properties: a randomized, controlled trial. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology: The Official Journal of the Society of Hospital Epidemiologists of America, 33(11), 1081–1085. https://doi.org/10.1086/668022
7. Woodland, R., Whitham, D., O’Neil, B., & Otter, S. (2010). Microbiological contamination of cubicle curtains in an out-patient podiatry clinic. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 3(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-1146-3-26
8. Chacón, K. N., Mealman, T. D., McEvoy, M. M., & Blackburn, N. J. (2014). Tracking metal ions through a Cu/Ag efflux pump assigns the functional roles of the periplasmic proteins. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 111(43), 15373–15378. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1411475111

Cubicle curtains offer hospitals a great deal of value and flexibility in terms of managing the patient environment, however these beneficial products can often become a headache for healthcare workers if hospital management has not implemented a structured maintenance program. While Imperial Privacy Systems offers full-service cubicle curtain management and compliance services, we also manufacture products that help reduce the amount of time and expense required to maintain cubicle curtains.

One of the most effective methods for reducing cubicle curtain maintenance times is to address the removal and re-install process. In order to expedite this process, Imperial Privacy Systems developed a system of modular snap-on cubicle curtain panels. Snap-on curtain panels can be changed quickly and easily. With a standard 68" panel size, facilities managers can standardize a "one size fits all" curtain to ensure fresh, clean curtains are always in-stock and available throughout the facility. The curtains can be quickly and easily changed by simply un-snapping the buttons along the bottom of the mesh and removing the curtain for laundering. The mesh and cubicle track stay in-place and a new panel is snapped to the mesh when ready.

Snap-on curtains are available in a variety of designer fabrics from Maharam, Arc-com, Knoll, Momentum, and many more.

Click here to learn more about Imperial's Snap Privacy Curtains.

Ubiquitous in healthcare facilities of all types and sizes, cubicle curtains (also know as privacy curtains) are one of those essential hospital products that can often be a source of confusion for facilities managers. In this article we will explain how to place an order for cubicle curtains and ensure you get the right fit for your building and your patients. Please keep in mind that while some standardized sizes are available, the majority of cubicle curtains are custom-made to fit the unique size and layout of each facility. 

Step 1: Choose a Fabric

The most prominent feature in every privacy curtain is the fabric. Consequently, you'll want to select a type and style of fabric in the early stages of the process. Cubicle curtain fabrics come in an endless variety of patterns and colors, which can often seem overwhelming. If your facility requires a simple and fast solution, we recommend popular, solid color fabrics like Summit, which are typically in-stock and can be manufactured relatively quickly. For facilities that require a specific pattern and/or would like a more unique appearance, we suggest reviewing our large collection of cubicle curtain fabrics with designer patterns. We offer fabrics featuring everything from pediatric themed graphics to intricate floral patterns. 

Once a specific pattern and color have been chosen, it's time to decide if you would like the fabric to be antimicrobial. This feature is often standard on certain fabrics, however it can be added to most other fabrics that do not already have this characteristic. 

Step 2: Choose a Mesh Color and Height

First, you'll want to pick a color for the mesh that will be included at the top of your cubicle curtain. Nylon Mesh is available in a variety of colors, but the most popular color is white. Next, you'll choose a height for the mesh. The standard mesh height is 20", but this may vary if your facility has a higher than normal ceiling height. If you are replacing an existing curtain, you should measure the height of the existing mesh and be sure to re-order the same height. If you're not sure which mesh height to choose, please contact us and one our product experts will be happy to provide a recommendation. 

Step 3: Determine Ceiling Height

Measure your ceiling height from the bottom of the ceiling grid (or other style ceiling) to the floor and write this number down. 

Step 4: Measure Your Cubicle Track Length

If your existing cubicle curtains are on a straight track. Simply measure the length of your existing track. If your existing or planned track is L-shaped or U-shaped, measure each side of the track shape as shown below (A and B).

Step 5: Consider Add-ons

Consider what extra items your cubicle curtains may need such as tie-backs, batons, snap-on panels, etc. We can also add extra appearance upgrades like fabric matched banding, framed mesh, or increased fullness. For additional information on all the possible add-ons and customizations, please contact us at info@imperialfastener.com.

Step 6: Request a Quote

You're ready to request a quote! Contact Imperial Privacy Systems with the following information:

1. Fabric selection - including pattern, color, and antimicrobial finish
2. Mesh color and height (if known)
4. Ceiling height
5. Cubicle track length and shape
6. Any add-ons or customizations
7. Ship to address

Email your quote request to quotes@imperialprivacy.com. Following receipt of your quote, simply confirm your acceptance and an Imperial representative will begin processing order.