CVS nurse-led Glogerm trial rolls out nationwide
Infection control trial is part of group’s antimicrobial stewardship focus
CVS has rolled out a nurse-led Glogerm infection control project to 60 practices across the UK, as part of its wider focus on antimicrobial stewardship.
Glogerm is a powder-based simulated germ formula which glows under ultraviolet light. After sprinkling the powder across various surfaces or equipment, the areas are cleaned as usual. Any remaining Glogerm is visible under ultraviolet light, determining whether cleaning methods have been effective in removing the simulated germs.
The project follows positive results from a pilot trial, in which three CVS practices were given the Glogerm product to support their current cleaning protocols, and three additional practices were given only an information sheet on how to improve their cleaning. The practices in the Glogerm group used Glogerm powder up to two times per week in three different areas of the practice - theatre tables, prep room surfaces, and consult room tables. The teams recorded their findings and held weekly reflective meetings, considering whether Glogerm would be a suitable tool to determine the effectiveness of current cleaning protocols and identifying areas for improvement.
The Glogerm product performed well against the information sheet approach. Sara Woods, Veterinary Nurse at The Veterinary Surgery, Lowestoft, said:
“Glogerm has really helped us to instigate changes to our practice cleaning protocols and is far better than receiving written guidelines. It has made a routine process more interactive and engaging for the whole team.”
The wider CVS Glogerm trial has now expanded to 60 practices across the UK. Practices have been randomly allocated to three groups; the high intervention group receive the Glogerm product, support from the Chief Veterinary Nursing Officer, and an infection control pack; the low intervention group receive just the infection control pack; and the control group have no changes. The trial is expected to run until March 2025 and findings will be collated centrally.
CVS Group operates across small animal, farm animal, equine, laboratories and crematoria, with over 500 veterinary practices, referral centres and sites in the UK and Australia. In the last five years the company has invested nearly £80 million in its sites, facilities and equipment, in addition to industry leading training and support, to give the best possible care to animals.