Beyond the Surface: Safety Through Effective Terminal Cleaning

About this episode

This episode explores the importance of effective terminal cleaning and infection prevention in healthcare settings.

How clean is clean? On this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan dives deep into the crucial topic of infection prevention and terminal cleaning with experts Cassie Prather and Erika Kurili. From debunking myths about how pathogens survive on surfaces, to clarifying the difference between daily cleaning, terminal cleaning, and disinfection, our guests share strategies and best practices for keeping patient care spaces truly safe for all. You’ll hear real-world insights on EPA-approved disinfectants, contact times, high-touch surfaces, equipment challenges, and why training, clear processes, and communication matter most in biocontainment and emergency departments. Whether you’re a frontline healthcare worker, infection preventionist, or just curious about how hospitals handle dangerous pathogens, this episode breaks down what it takes to return spaces to safe operations after caring for high consequence infectious disease patients. Plus, learn how to tackle tricky equipment (like the dreaded mattress!), the role of emotional breaks for cleaning teams, and actionable steps for preparing your facility. Tune in for practical guidance and a fresh perspective on…

People in this episode

Host: Jill Morgan

Guests: Cassie Prather, Erika Kurili

Topics covered

• infection prevention
• terminal cleaning
• disinfection
• patient safety
• healthcare practices
• biocontainment

Keywords

• terminal cleaning
• infection prevention
• disinfectants
• high-touch surfaces
• cleaning strategies
• healthcare safety

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NETEC, EPA

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