Infection Intel: Augmenting SHIELD WALL Modular Containment Systems by Abatement Technologies

Infection Control Today Infection Intel

Infection prevention personnel are aware that the risk of infection spread during construction is high. How can infections be prevented during construction? Is there a new product that could help with this problem?

To learn about 1 product, Infection Control Today^® (ICT^®) spoke with Jackie Otero, a senior territory sales representative at Abatement Technologies, who emphasizes the importance of maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ) in health care settings, particularly during construction projects. She explains that the SHIELD WALL modular containment system, developed by Abatement Technologies, consists of temporary prefabricated walls. It is ideal for various job sites, providing effective containment during construction or sectioning off flex spaces.

ICT: Would you please describe what a SHIELD WALL is?

Jackie Otero: Modular wall systems are temporary prefabricated containment solutions. Walls, such as SHIELD WALL by Abatement Technologies, are designed for quick, easy installation and are effectively used at various job sites to provide containment during construction projects or to section off flex spaces. And, to help navigate the complexities of labor shortages, contractors need a containment solution that is easy to assemble with fewer people. The surge in the demand for cost-efficient and sustainable solutions is accelerating the growth of modular wall systems.

ICT: Can you describe the specific challenges Segars Group encountered regarding dust, debris, and noise control during the construction of the WellStar Kennestone Hospital pediatric intensive care unit (PICU)?

JO: While maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ) is a top priority in any industry, it’s particularly crucial for contractors and facility managers in healthcare or critical environments. By definition, a critical environment is any area where something can be easily affected by external contamination. Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant concern in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, especially in immunocompromised patients. Because of this, hospitals and contractors must follow an Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) best practices to isolate, capture, and control airborne dust particles and pathogens.

ICT: What were the primary considerations for Segars Group when selecting a containment system for this project, and how did Abatement Technologies' SHIELD WALL modular containment system meet those needs?

JO: Previous containment methods relied on single-use materials like lumber, drywall, plastic or poly sheeting, and insulation. Both lumber and drywall often require custom cuts to fit each space, meaning these materials are difficult to reuse and become waste at the end of the project. With critical time frames to begin and end projects, waiting days to weeks until an area is contained can cause delays and missed deadlines. And time is always of the essence in intensive care units, and providing the best care is essential to the recovery of patients.

So, when the Segars Group evaluated containment systems for the WellStar Kennestone PICU project, it chose the quickest, most reliable, and most sensible option: temporary reusable modular containment walls.

Segars Group found the ideal solution from Abatement Technologies. The company chose to install SHIELD WALL modular containment system for its:

• Durable design for years of repeated use,
• Modular flexibility to adjust to changing construction needs,
• Sound attenuation to help lower noise and disruptions within patient areas,
• The sleek appearance seamlessly blends into health care settings.

Abatement Technologies’ SHIELD WALL modular containment systems are completely reusable and are easily and quickly assembled with minimal labor.

ICT: In what ways did the SHIELD WALL system contribute to minimizing the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) during the construction process?

JO: Dust and debris during construction projects in active health care facilities can negatively impact air quality and put vulnerable patients at risk for respiratory distress. Excess noise during construction can also be disruptive to patients and prevent them from getting the rest that is essential for recovery. SHIELD WALL containment played a key role in preventing dust and debris from infiltrating the air in occupied patient areas and drastically reduced noise to protect patients from disruptions.

ICT: How did the modular flexibility and reusable nature of the SHIELD WALL™ system impact the timeline and efficiency of the PICU construction project?

JO: The flexibility of SHIELD WALL allowed Segars Group to easily modify the walls to expand and encompass additional unit areas as the project progressed. This allowed essential areas to remain operational as long as possible, further minimizing disruptions to patient care. Segars Group now utilizes SHIELD WALL as a standard project containment procedure.

ICT: Can you share any feedback from the hospital staff and patients regarding using the SHIELD WALL system, particularly its additional features like sound attenuation and the ability to use the walls for patient artwork?

JO: While SHIELD WALL has a sleek, professional appearance designed to blend seamlessly into many environments. WellStar Kennestone Hospital staff decided they didn’t want the walls to blend in and used them to showcase artwork from patients in the PICU.

Jesse White, superintendent of Segars Group, said, “The nursing staff asked if the kids could come and draw on the walls. We initially thought about hanging whiteboards on them but then realized the material was compatible with dry-erase markers. It ended up being an unexpected advantage. Beyond keeping everyone safe, the walls have brought much-needed joy to our patients throughout the project. My team must watch a training video because the panels are easy to assemble. We’ll go in and mark the areas; they can take it from there. It’s easy to use and assemble once you learn how the containment system operates.”