How AI Impacts Cleaning Programs

Carrico thinks that AI and large language learning models will eventually touch every aspect of infection prevention, including the environmental services (EVS) department. She adds that large language models would be a positive improvement and would make EVS teams more sophisticated. 

“You could set up all the background knowledge and pull together instructions for use,” says Carrico. “In the environmental services department, you must know chemicals, as well as different procedures and processes. You need to know about the different situations individual patients are in; isolation, for example. The large language models could become a place to query about how to best care for the environment during specific patient situations.” 

Carrico points to an Australian company that’s already exploring the intersection between AI tools and the environmental services workforce.  

“They developed auditing tools for cleaners with a database that sees what is happening in any given unit,” she explains. “This allows environmental services managers to match their workers to their needs. That is a wonderful precursor for what AI can do when you are faced with an inconsistent workforce. It can help manage days when you don’t have enough workers. It can help flex the workforce you have when there are more discharges or more admissions. Those approaches can also provide opportunities for on-demand training that enables workers to do their best jobs.” 

Standardization, of course, is vital to proper cleaning. AI can bring valuable, real-time information into the equation, providing information that can be used as a guide.   

“Instead of standardizing and doing the same thing all the time, the AI-based approach could say, ‘we see laboratory results showing these microorganisms in this area. Therefore, you should be using this cleaning agent or process in this area until we see a difference.’ The input is built into the intelligence. The output is how we respond,” says Carrico. 

Even something as seemingly simple as hand hygiene could be transformed by AI.  

“For years, the standard was ‘when hands are visibly soiled, go to the sink and wash your hands,’” says Carrico. “But an AI knowledge base can help compile all the interrelated components of hand hygiene. It can alert the EVS department about organisms that splashed back on to the sink or counter and enable robotics or ultraviolet light utilization. It can fold in engineering department knowledge about the age of the plumbing and level of anticipated or likely biofilm. It’s about the infection prevention industry knowing all the different agents and assistance devices that can help address problems. It is thinking about old problems in new ways.” 

Program or Be Programed 

In Program or Be Programed, author Douglas Rushkoff addresses the never-ending debate about the pros and cons of new technologies. He argues that whether they are good or bad it doesn’t matter, they’re here. They’re everywhere, and experts must master them to navigate this new universe.   

Carrico is on board, excited by what AI and large language models will bring to the infection prevention industry.  

“Right now, infection preventionists are spending incredible amounts of time collecting data that is meaningless unless connected with action,” she says. “Because the landscape of knowledge required for infection prevention so broad, our world in infection prevention and control can sometimes be one inch deep and one mile wide. But when we have a particular problem, AI can help us figure out how can we go deeper.” 

Carrico admits that there will be some growing pains, particularly with people who are wondering if AI will render them dispensable. Experts agree that jobs won’t be lost, but they will evolve to focus more on effectiveness. 

There may also be downsides to leaning so heavily on AI. For example, Carrico found in her research that results were only effective if ChatGPT or the AI agent remained steady.  

“Upgrades or improvements to the technology may cause issues,” she adds. “We will need people who can fix the technology as it evolves. We need to work collaboratively so there is content expertise and technology expertise sharing a vision and working together.” 

And human oversight remains vital, lest AI converts all the matter in the universe into paperclips. 

“Living in a world of constant change is challenging and sometimes very difficult to navigate and live in,” insists Carrico. “Someone always needs to be examining the big picture. We must be looking out for unintended consequences and asking if the juice is worth the squeeze.” 

Amy Milshtein is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, and is a frequent contributor to Facility Cleaning Decisions.