We are pleased to share that new research exploring safe laundry practices in UK care homes has now been published in PLOS Global Public Health.
The paper, Minimising infection risks: Safe laundry practices in UK care homes through research and guidance development, highlights the important role that effective laundry management plays in infection prevention and control (IPC) within care home settings.
The research was supported by members of the IPS Care Home Special Interest Group (SIG), who contributed their expertise and experience throughout the project.
The study used surveys, interviews and focus groups with care home managers, staff and industry experts to explore current laundry management practices across the UK care home sector. More than 1,000 responses were gathered as part of the research.
Key findings included:
- Low awareness and inconsistent use of national laundry guidance
- Gaps in formal laundry and IPC training for care home staff
- Challenges linked to costs, space limitations and equipment maintenance
- Difficulties laundering mixed textiles, including residents’ personal clothing, at suitable disinfection temperatures
- Interest from many care homes in outsourcing laundry services
The findings demonstrate the need for practical, accessible and care home-specific guidance to support safer laundry management and reduce infection risks for both residents and staff.
Joy Allen, a member of our Care Home SIG, said: “Taking part in this process has been an amazing opportunity that wouldn’t have been possible without the IPS and the Care Home SIG. I would encourage everyone to volunteer for a role within the IPS. The potential for professional development and networking opportunities is a significant benefit of membership.”
As part of the project, adapted guidance and educational resources were co-developed with stakeholders to help support implementation across the sector. This is the first study of its kind in the UK and reinforces the importance of safe linen management as a fundamental part of infection prevention and control in care homes.
We would like to congratulate all involved in the research and thank the IPS Care Home SIG members who supported this important work.
We look forward to seeing them present their work on the use of domestic washing machines in care homes at a IPS Care Home SIG meeting later in the year.
