Adoption of innovative fabric technology for healthcare worker and patient attire is growing, as more healthcare facilities forego traditional uniforms in an effort to better protect patients and staff from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), Vestagen, a developer of Vestex active barrier protective technology, reports.

This growth is also experienced by the company, which saw a variety of healthcare facilities recently converting to its Vestex protective uniforms. The facilities include Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals Emergency Departments, Flagler Hospital and the University of North Florida (UNF) School of Nursing.

Active barrier technology

Vestex is a new class of active barrier technology that combines fluid repellent, antimicrobial and breathability properties in one fabric, and it is proven to reduce harmful contaminants on the fabric in a hospital setting, the company reports.

“Clinical evidence of contaminated healthcare attire continues to grow, strengthening the case that patients and healthcare workers deserve a safer environment,” commented Uncas Ben B. Favret III, founder and President of Vestagen Technical Textiles.

“Healthcare facilities are already bundling traditional evidence-based infection prevention interventions like hand hygiene and surface disinfection to help minimize the spread of harmful pathogens. Now they are adding attire made with Vestex to their evidence-based approach.”

Flagler Hospital

Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine, FL supplied more than 1,000 clinical staff members with Vestex uniforms. The hospital system also worked with Vestagen to colour-code uniforms to help patients better recognize staff roles throughout the facility.

“Our decision to convert to Vestex attire was two-fold – we wanted to enhance patient and staff safety, and improve our patient experience,” said Mary Mantese, DNP, RN, CENP, Chief Nursing Officer at Flagler Hospital.

“The response from staff has been very positive, as they experienced the fluid-repellent and stain-resistant properties of Vestex immediately and feel better protected from unanticipated contaminant exposures.”

Thomas Jefferson University

Additionally, over 200 staff members in the Emergency Departments at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia have been wearing Vestex since January, and UNF's School of Nursing in Jacksonville, FL, recently became the first nursing school to transition to Vestex protected uniforms.

“Our nursing students made the decision to switch to these uniforms. They want to be at the leading edge of new technology and embrace new developments,” said Li Loriz, PhD, ARNP, BC, GNP, Associate Professor and Director, UNF School of Nursing.

New standard

Baptist Health of Jacksonville, FL, was a pioneer in adopting Vestex throughout the institution in 2014. The health system converted more than 6,000 staff members, and all patients, to Vestex garments as part of a new comprehensive Policy of Protection.

“These institutions are trailblazers in using protective, everyday attire to set a new standard of care for both their patients and staff by making their facilities a safer, and better, place to work,” commented Dale Pfost, PhD, CEO of Vestagen.

“The positive experiences facilities are reporting after adopting Vestex are directly aligned with their priorities to build a comprehensive culture of safety and enhance patient experience and staff engagement.”

www.vestagen.com