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A conceptual evaluation framework for the water and sanitation for health facility improvement tool (Wash Fit)

Journal Article · · Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development
 [1];  [1];  [2];  [1];  [1]
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA (United States)
  2. World Health Organization, Geneva (Switzerland)
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Healthcare facilities (HCFs) in low- and middle-income countries frequently lack water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services that are adequate to implement infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, decrease healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance, and provide quality healthcare. The Water and Sanitation for Health Facility Improvement Tool (WASH FIT), initially published in 2017 and updated in 2018, is a risk-based, continuous improvement framework. The tool aims to improve WASH and related facility management and may contribute to quality of care (QoC) efforts. To date, there is no guidance available on how to monitor and evaluate the use of this tool nor is there rigorous evidence on its effectiveness. We developed a conceptual WASH FIT evaluation framework by drawing from the broader WASH, health systems strengthening, and QoC evidence base. This framework provides a common basis to plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate potential inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impacts from applying WASH FIT. Routine use of the tool, coupled with WASH infrastructure improvements as guided by the tool, can lead to better IPC practices, and may support improvements in occupational safety, QoC, global health security, and ultimately progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3 (good health and well-being) and 6 (clean water and sanitation).
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
1580705
Journal Information:
Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, Journal Name: Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 9; ISSN 2043-9083
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Cited By (2)

Evaluating the foundations that help avert antimicrobial resistance: Performance of essential water sanitation and hygiene functions in hospitals and requirements for action in Kenya journal October 2019
Extending the use of the World Health Organisations’  water sanitation and hygiene assessment tool for surveys in hospitals – from WASH-FIT to WASH-FAST journal December 2019

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Related Subjects

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
evaluation
healthcare facilities
hygiene
outcomes
sanitation
water