Keeping health care linens clean: Underrecognized hazards and critical control points to avoid contamination of laundered health care textiles.

Outbreaks of health care-associated infections, particularly invasive mold infections, have been linked to environmental contamination of laundered health care textiles. Contamination may occur at the laundry or health care facility. This report highlights underrecognized hazards, control points, and actions that infection preventionists can take to help decrease the potential for patient exposure to contaminated health care textiles. Infection preventionists can use the checklists included in this report to assess laundry and health care facility management of laundered health care textiles.

First reported nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in a hospital-based laundry facility.

Nosocomial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreaks among health care workers have been scarcely reported so far. This report presents the results of an epidemiologic and molecular investigation of a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak among laundromat facility workers in a large tertiary centre in Israel. Following the first three reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 among laundromat workers, all 49 laundromat personnel were screened by qRT-PCR tests using naso- and oropharingeal swabs. Epidemiologic investigations included questionnaires, interviews and observations of the laundromat facility. Eleven viral RNA samples were then sequenced, and a phylogenetic analysis was performed using MEGAX.The integrated investigation defined three genetic clusters and helped identify the index cases and the assumed routes of transmission. It was then deduced that shared commute and public showers played a role in SARS-CoV-2 transmission in this outbreak, in addition to improper PPE use and social gatherings (such as social eating and drinking). In this study, we present an integrated epidemiologic and molecular investigation may help detect the routes of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, emphasising such routes that are less frequently discussed. Our work reinforces the notion that person-to-person transmission is more likely to cause infections than environmental contamination (e.g. from handling dirty laundry).

The Environmental Impact of Interventional Radiology: An Evaluation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from an Academic Interventional Radiology Practice.

PURPOSE: To calculate the volume of greenhouse gases (GHGs) generated by a hospital-based interventional radiology (IR) department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to calculate GHGs emitted by an IR department at a tertiary care academic medical center. The volume of waste generated, amount of disposable supplies and linens used, and the operating times of electrical equipment were recorded for procedures performed between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM on 5 consecutive weekdays. LCA was then performed using purchasing data, plug loads for electrical hardware, data from temperature control units, and estimates of emissions related to travel in the area surrounding the medical center. RESULTS: Ninety-eight procedures were performed on 97 patients. The most commonly performed procedures were drainages (30), placement and removal of venous access (21), and computed tomography-guided biopsies (13). Approximately 23,500 kg CO2e were emitted during the study. Sources of CO2 emissions in descending order were related to indoor climate control (11,600 kg CO2e), production and transportation of disposable surgical items (9,640 kg CO2e), electricity plug load for equipment and lighting (1,060 kg CO2e), staff transportation (524 kg CO2e), waste disposal (426 kg CO2e), production, laundering, and disposal of linens (279 kg CO2e), and gas anesthetics (19.3 kg CO2e). CONCLUSIONS: The practice of IR generates substantial GHG volumes, a majority of which come from energy used to maintain climate control, followed by emissions related to single-use surgical supplies. Efforts to reduce the environmental impact of IR may be focused accordingly.

Prevalência de dor lombar e fatores de risco em trabalhadores de uma lavanderia hospitalar: um estudo transversal / Prevalence of low back pain and risk factors in hospital laundry workers: a cross-sectional study

Introdução: A dor lombar representa um problema de saúde pública na população em idade economicamente ativa em todo o mundo, incluindo trabalhadores de lavanderia hospitalar. Neste artigo é avaliada a prevalência de dor lombar em trabalhadores de lavanderia do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre e sua associação com dados sociodemográficos, clínicos, ocupacionais e prática de exercícios físicos. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal do qual participaram 99 funcionários da lavanderia do Hospital. Foi utilizado instrumento de pesquisa composto por um questionário com questões sociodemográficas, clínicas e ocupacionais dos trabalhadores. Os dados obtidos foram processados pelo Teste Qui-Quadrado de Pearson e pela regressão de Poisson com variâncias robustas. Resultados: A prevalência de dor lombar encontrada foi de 68,69% (IC 95% 59,4%;78,0%). Entre os participantes, 12,1% relataram afastamento do trabalho pela Previdência Social devido a dor lombar. Na análise multivariada, ser trabalhador do setor costura foi associado a maior risco de apresentar dor lombar, enquanto que ter duplo emprego e tempo de serviço na função não estiveram significativamente associados. Conclusões: A dor lombar foi uma queixa prevalente em trabalhadores da lavanderia hospitalar, especialmente no setor costura. Ter duplo emprego ou maior tempo de trabalho na função não se mostraram fatores associados à prevalência de dor lombar na população estudada. Sugere-se a adoção de estratégias de prevenção e controle da dor lombar e a realização de mais estudos no tema, a fim de aprofundar os fatores associados e estabelecer medidas preventivas eficazes. (AU)

Introduction: Low back pain represents a public health problem in the working-age population worldwide, including hospital laundry workers. This article evaluates the prevalence of low back pain in laundry workers at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and its association with sociodemographic, clinical, and occupational data and physical exercises. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 99 laundry workers at the Hospital. We applied a research instrument consisting of a questionnaire with sociodemographic, clinical, and occupational questions. We used Pearson's chi-square test and Poisson regression with robust variance for data analysis. Results: The prevalence of low back pain was 68.69% (95% confidence interval, 59.4%- 78.0%). Among the participants, 12.1% reported previous sick leave due to low back pain. In the multivariate analysis, being a sewing worker was associated with a higher risk of developing low back pain, whereas keeping two jobs and length of service were not significantly associated with low back pain. Conclusions: Low back pain was a prevalent complaint among hospital laundry workers, especially in the sewing sector. Keeping two jobs and longer length of service were not associated with low back pain prevalence in the study population. We suggest that strategies to prevent and control low back pain should be adopted and that further studies on the topic should be conducted to better understand the associated factors and to establish effective preventive measures. (AU)

A Qualitative Study of Barriers to Personal Protective Equipment Use among Laundry Workers in Government Hospitals, Hawassa, Ethiopia.

Background: The need to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases makes the use of personal protective equipment and safety medical devices compulsory among hospital laundry staff. The practice, however, remains to be low among hospital laundry staff members. Globally, not many studies seem to have been carried out to sufficiently tell us about the barriers to personal protective equipment use among hospital laundry workers. Related studies in Ethiopia are even fewer. This study assessed the barriers to personal protective equipment use among laundry staff of government hospitals in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia, 2019. Methods: Two qualitative data-gathering methods-focus group discussions and key informant interviews-were used to collect data for this study. Eight focus group discussions were conducted with hospital laundry workers. Similarly, six key informant interviews were held with Infection Prevention and Patient Safety Officers. Thematic analysis was performed using Open Code 4.02. Result: Organizational- and individual-level barriers such as unavailability of essential personal protective equipment, a disharmonious work environment, low perception of susceptibility, and belief about personal protective equipment interference with work performance were identified as the major barriers to personal protective equipment use in the present study. Conclusion: Organizational- and individual-level barriers have been identified as causes for the low level of personal protective equipment use among hospital laundry workers. Therefore, improving institutional supplies in quantity and quality may have a positive implication for the improvement of infection prevention practices in the study area. Also, designing sustainable strategies and raising laundry workers' awareness of a safe work environment may lead to the improvement of infection prevention practices.

Plano de contingencia para enfrentamento do Covid19 no HDT-UFT / Contingency plan to face Covid19 at HDT-UFT

Tratado do plano de contingencia para enfrentamento do covid19 no Hospital de Doenças Tropicais-HDT-UFT. O protocolo aborda as características do coronavírus (COVID19), as definições para casos suspeitos, confirmados e descartados. Apresenta documentos como a Ficha de Notificação de Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave ­ SRA. Mostra critérios de acesso e classificação dos casos, as Medidas de controle de infecção. Traz parâmetros para Fluxo de Atendimento ­ Ambulatorial e Pronto Atendimento, Utilização de Sistema de Classificação de Pacientes para dimensionamento diário da equipe (Escala de Fugulin). Mostra relação de equipamentos que o HDT-UFT possui para demanda geral) e Estrutura de internação para atendimento ao COVID-19 e Dimensionamento da Equipe além da Previsão de realocação das equipes assistenciais e administrativas para o cuidado a esses pacientes. Estratégias para ampliação da capacidade instalada e operacional atual para assistência aos pacientes com COVID-19. Estimativa de insumos e equipamentos necessários para os próximos 6 meses, incluindo os valores necessários para investimento e custeio. Previsão das unidades de contra- referência, pactuadas junto aos gestores locais, para pacientes leves ou moderados, ou em condições de alta clínica. Previsão de isolamento reverso, transferência ou referenciamento de pacientes imunocomprometidos. Previsão dos fluxos e responsáveis pelo transporte dos pacientes. Medidas que visem a redução de etapas nos processos cotidianos do hospital para tomadas de decisão nos momentos de crise. Capacitação quanto aos cuidados a pacientes críticos. Suporte laboratorial. Coleta de Aspirado de Nasofaringe ou Swab Combinado Nasal/Oral ou Amostra de Secreção Respiratória Inferior. Plano de comunicação. Hotelaria. Tratamento de Resíduos. Processamento de Roupas. Higienização. Processamento de produtos para a saúde.

Contingency plan treaty for coping with covid19 at the Tropical Diseases Hospital-HDT-UFT. The protocol addresses the characteristics of the coronavirus (COVID19), the definitions for suspected, confirmed and discarded cases. It presents documents such as the Serious Acute Respiratory Syndrome Notification Form - SARS. Shows access criteria and case classification, Infection Control Measures. It brings parameters for Care Flow - Outpatient and Emergency Care, Use of Patient Classification System for daily dimensioning of the team (Fugulin Scale). It shows a list of equipment that HDT-UFT has for general demand) and Inpatient structure to attend to COVID-19 and Team Sizing, in addition to the forecast of relocation of assistance and administrative teams to care for these patients. Strategies to expand the current installed and operational capacity to assist patients with COVID-19. Estimate of inputs and equipment needed for the next 6 months, including the amounts needed for investment and funding. Forecast of counter-referral units, agreed with local managers, for light or moderate patients, or under conditions of clinical discharge. Prediction of reverse isolation, transfer or referral of immunocompromised patients. Forecast of flows and responsible for the transport of patients. Measures aimed at reducing steps in the daily processes of the hospital for decision making in times of crisis. Training in the care of critical patients. Laboratory support. Collection of Nasopharynx Aspirate or Nasal / Oral Combined Swab or Lower Respiratory Secretion Sample. Communication plan. Hospitality. Waste treatment. Clothing Processing. Sanitation. Processing of health products.

Tratado de plan de contingencia para el afrontamiento de covid19 en el Hospital de Enfermedades Tropicales-HDT-UFT. El protocolo aborda las características del coronavirus (COVID19), las definiciones de casos sospechosos, confirmados y descartados. Presenta documentos como el Formulario de notificación de síndrome respiratorio agudo grave - SARS. Muestra criterios de acceso y clasificación de casos, medidas de control de infecciones. Aporta parámetros de Flujo de atención - Atención ambulatoria y de emergencia, Uso del Sistema de clasificación de pacientes para el dimensionamiento diario del equipo (Escala de Fugulin). Muestra una lista de equipos que HDT-UFT tiene para la demanda general) y la estructura de pacientes hospitalizados para ayudar a COVID-19 y el tamaño del equipo, además del pronóstico de reubicación de los equipos de atención y administrativos para atender a estos pacientes. Estrategias para ampliar la capacidad instalada y operativa actual para ayudar a los pacientes con COVID-19. Estimación de insumos y equipos necesarios para los próximos 6 meses, incluidos los montos necesarios para inversión y financiamiento. Previsión de unidades de contrarreferencia, consensuada con gestores locales, para pacientes leves o moderados, o en condiciones de alta clínica. Predicción de aislamiento inverso, traslado o derivación de pacientes inmunodeprimidos. Previsión de flujos y responsable del transporte de pacientes. Medidas encaminadas a reducir pasos en los procesos diarios del hospital para la toma de decisiones en tiempos de crisis. Formación en la atención de pacientes críticos. Soporte de laboratorio. Recolección de aspirado nasofaríngeo o muestra combinada de torunda nasal / oral o secreción respiratoria inferior. Plan de comunicación. Hospitalidad. Tratamiento de desechos. Procesamiento de ropa. Saneamiento. Procesamiento de productos sanitarios.

Traité de plan d'urgence pour faire face au covid19 au Tropical Diseases Hospital-HDT-UFT. Le protocole aborde les caractéristiques du coronavirus (COVID19), les définitions des cas suspects, confirmés et rejetés. Il présente des documents tels que le Formulaire de notification du syndrome respiratoire aigu grave - SRAS. Affiche les critères d'accès et la classification des cas, les mesures de contrôle des infections. Il apporte des paramètres pour Care Flow - Soins ambulatoires et d'urgence, Utilisation du système de classification des patients pour le dimensionnement quotidien de l'équipe (Fugulin Scale). Il montre une liste des équipements dont HDT-UFT dispose pour la demande générale) et la structure des patients hospitalisés pour aider le COVID-19 et le dimensionnement de l'équipe, en plus des prévisions de relocalisation des équipes de soins et administratives pour soigner ces patients. Stratégies pour étendre la capacité actuelle installée et opérationnelle pour aider les patients atteints du COVID-19. Estimation des intrants et équipements nécessaires pour les 6 prochains mois, y compris les montants nécessaires pour l'investissement et le financement. Prévision des unités de contre-référence, en accord avec les responsables locaux, pour les patients légers ou modérés, ou en conditions de sortie clinique. Prédiction de l'isolement inversé, du transfert ou de la référence de patients immunodéprimés. Prévision des flux et responsable du transport des patients. Mesures visant à réduire les étapes dans les processus quotidiens de l'hôpital pour la prise de décision en temps de crise. Formation à la prise en charge des patients critiques. Support de laboratoire. Prélèvement d'un prélèvement nasopharynx par aspiration ou d'un écouvillon combiné nasal / oral ou d'un échantillon de sécrétion respiratoire inférieure. Plan de communication. Hospitalité. Traitement des déchets. Traitement des vêtements. Assainissement. Transformation des produits de santé.

Estructura de las unidades de cuidados intensivos de anestesia: recomendaciones de la Sección de Cuidados Intensivos de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor (SEDAR) / Structure of the anesthesia intensive care units: recommendations of the Intensive Care Section of the Spanish Society of Anaesthesiology

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVO: Los objetivos de la Sección de Cuidados Intensivos de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor (SCI-SEDAR) con el presente trabajo son: establecer nuevas recomendaciones adaptando los estándares publicados por el Ministerio de Sanidad y Política Social, y alineadas con las principales guías internacionales, y desarrollar una herramienta de mejora de la calidad y la eficiencia. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: A lo largo de 2018, 3 miembros de la SCI-SEDAR definieron la metodología, desarrollaron las recomendaciones y seleccionaron al panel de expertos. Debido a la limitada evidencia de buena parte de las recomendaciones y a la importante variabilidad estructural de las unidades de cuidados intensivos de anestesia actuales, se optó por un abordaje Delphi modificado para determinar el grado de consenso. RESULTADOS: Un total de 24 expertos de 21 instituciones constituyeron el grupo de expertos del presente trabajo. Se establecieron 175 recomendaciones sobre 8 apartados, incluyendo 129 con consenso fuerte y 46 con consenso débil. CONCLUSIONES: La SCI-SEDAR estableció las recomendaciones estructurales de las unidades de cuidados intensivos de anestesia que deberán guiar la renovación o la creación de nuevas unidades

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In this article, the Intensive Care Section of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology (SCI-SEDAR) establishes new recommendations based on the standards published by the Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare and aligned with the principle international guidelines, and develops a tool to improve quality and efficiency. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Over a 12-month period (2018), 3 members of the SCI-SEDAR defined the methodology, developed the recommendations and selected the panel of experts. Due to the limited evidence available for many of the recommendations and the significant structural differences between existing anesthesia intensive care units, we chose a modified Delphi approach to determine the degree of consensus. RESULTS: The panel consisted of 24 experts from 21 institutions. The group put forward 175 recommendations on 8 sections, including 129 with strong consensus and 46 with weak consensus. CONCLUSIONS: The SCI-SEDAR has established a series of structural recommendations that should be used when renovating or creating new anesthesia intensive care units

The Washing Machine as a Reservoir for Transmission of Extended-Spectrum-Beta-Lactamase (CTX-M-15)-Producing Klebsiella oxytoca ST201 to Newborns.

During the period from April 2012 to May 2013, 13 newborns (1 to 4 weeks of age) and 1 child in a pediatric hospital ward in Germany were colonized with Klebsiella oxytoca producing an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) (CTX-M-15). A microbiological source-tracking analysis with human and environmental samples was carried out to identify the source and transmission pathways of the K. oxytoca clone. In addition, different hygienic intervention methods were evaluated. K. oxytoca isolates were detected in the detergent drawer and on the rubber door seal of a domestic washer-extractor machine that was used in the same ward to wash laundry for the newborns, as well as in two sinks. These strains were typed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing. The environmental findings were compared with those for the human strains and the isolates detected on clothing. The results from both techniques showed that the strains were identical (sequence type 201 and PFGE type 00531, a clone specific to this hospital and not previously isolated in Germany), emphasizing the washing machine as a reservoir and fomite for the transmission of these multidrug-resistant bacteria. After the washing machine was taken out of use, no further colonizations were detected during the subsequent 4-year period.IMPORTANCE Washing machines should be further investigated as possible sites for horizontal gene transfer (ESBL genes) and cross-contamination with clinically important Gram-negative strains. Particularly in the health care sector, the knowledge of possible (re-)contamination of laundry (patients' clothes and staff uniforms) with multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria could help to prevent and to control nosocomial infections. This report describes an outbreak with a single strain of a multidrug-resistant bacterium (Klebsiella oxytoca sequence type 201) in a neonatal intensive care unit that was terminated only when the washing machine was removed. In addition, the study implies that changes in washing machine design and processing are required to prevent accumulation of residual water where microbial growth can occur and contaminate clothes.

Structure of the Anesthesia Intensive Care Units: Recommendations of the Intensive Care Section of the Spanish Society of Anaesthesiology. / Estructura de las unidades de cuidados intensivos de anestesia: recomendaciones de la Sección de Cuidados Intensivos de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor (SEDAR).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In this article, the Intensive Care Section of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology (SCI-SEDAR) establishes new recommendations based on the standards published by the Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare and aligned with the principle international guidelines, and develops a tool to improve quality and efficiency. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Over a 12-month period (2018), 3 members of the SCI-SEDAR defined the methodology, developed the recommendations and selected the panel of experts. Due to the limited evidence available for many of the recommendations and the significant structural differences between existing anesthesia intensive care units, we chose a modified Delphi approach to determine the degree of consensus. RESULTS: The panel consisted of 24 experts from 21 institutions. The group put forward 175 recommendations on 8 sections, including 129 with strong consensus and 46 with weak consensus. CONCLUSIONS: The SCI-SEDAR has established a series of structural recommendations that should be used when renovating or creating new anesthesia intensive care units.

How clean is "hygienically clean": Quantitative microbial levels from samples of clean health care textiles across the United States.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, the laundry industry has not reliably measured microbial levels on hygienically clean textiles. The aim of this study was to quantitatively measure the microbial levels found on a sample of hygienically clean textiles. METHODS: Forty-eight health care textile samples were collected from hygienically clean linen scheduled to be used on 3 different patient care units. Samples were taken at 2 separate points in time representing laundry facility processing practices and hospital linen management practices. United States Pharmacopeia 61 testing was completed using a pour plate culturing method, producing a total aerobic microbial count and a total yeast and mold count. RESULTS: Of the samples, only 27% had a total aerobic microbial count below the expected 100 colony-forming unit level (range, 9-40,000) versus 81% (range, 9-1,000) for total yeast and mold count. Median microbial counts for the 2 separate time points across the 3 different patient care units were also higher than expected. CONCLUSIONS: As far as we know, this study is a first step by the laundry industry to understand what quantitative microbial levels are currently found on hygienically clean health care textiles. These types of data can assist the industry in establishing appropriate outcome targets for process improvement initiatives.

How Clean Is the Linen at My Hospital? The Mucorales on Unclean Linen Discovery Study of Large United States Transplant and Cancer Centers.

Mucormycosis outbreaks have been linked to contaminated linen. We performed fungal cultures on freshly-laundered linens at 15 transplant and cancer hospitals. At 33% of hospitals, the linens were visibly unclean. At 20%, Mucorales were recovered from >10% of linens. Studies are needed to understand the clinical significance of our findings.

Roupa hospitalar e o cuidado em saúde: visão dos profissionais e estudantes* / Hospital linen and health care: perspective of professionals and students / Ropa hospitalaria y el cuidado en salud: visión de los profesionales y estudiantes

Objetivo: analisar o entendimento sobre o uso da roupa hospitalar e sua importância no cuidado. Método: estudo de caso com 19 profissionais de nível superior (médicos e enfermeiros), 23 profissionais de nível médio (técnicos e auxiliares de Enfermagem) e 11 estudantes de graduação (Enfermagem e Medicina) de um hospital de ensino do interior do Estado de São Paulo, de fevereiro a junho de 2016. Para a análise dos dados, foi utilizada a Análise de Conteúdo Temática. Resultados: da análise dos dados, emergiram duas categorias: "Roupa hospitalar como um item do cuidado" e "Oferta da roupa para o cuidado". Considerações finais: os participantes do estudo desconhecem o significado e a importância da roupa para o cuidado. São necessárias ações educativas para a compreensão de sua finalidade (AU).

Objective: analyze the understanding of the use of hospital linen and its importance in health care. Method: case study with 19 university level professionals (physicians and nurses), 23 secondary level professionals (nursing technicians and aides) and 11 undergraduate students (nursing and medicine) from a teaching hospital in the state of São Paulo, from February to June 2016. Thematic content analysis was used for data analysis. Results: two categories emerged from data analysis: "Hospital linen as a care item" and "Provision of linen for care". Final considerations: the participants were unaware of the meaning and importance of linen within the care context. Educational activities are needed to understand its importance (AU).

Objetivo: Analizar la comprensión sobre el uso de la ropa hospitalaria y su importancia en el cuidado. Método: Estudio de caso, con 19 profesionales de nivel superior (médicos y enfermeros), 23 profesionales de nivel intermedio (técnicos y auxiliares de Enfermería) y 11 estudiantes de curso de grado (Enfermería y Medicina) en hospital de enseñanza del interior del Estado de São Paulo, de febrero a junio de 2016. Datos analizados por Análisis de Contenido Temático. Resultados: Del análisis surgieron dos categorías: "Ropa hospitalaria como ítem del cuidado" y "Oferta de la ropa para el cuidado". Consideraciones finales: Los participantes del estudio desconocen el significado y la importancia de la ropa para el cuidado. Serán necesarias acciones educativas para la comprensión de su finalidad (AU).

Educational intervention assessment aiming the hearing preservation of workers at a hospital laundry. / Avaliação de intervenção educativa voltada à preservação auditiva de trabalhadores de uma lavanderia hospitalar.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions on hearing health developed at a hospital laundry. METHODS: Quantitative assessment conducted at a hospital laundry. The study sample comprised 80 workers of both genders divided into two groups: Study Group (SG) and Control Group (CG). The educational interventions in hearing preservation were evaluated based on a theoretical approach using the Participatory Problem-based Methodology in five workshops. To assess the results of the workshops, an instrument containing 36 questions on knowledge, attitudes, and practices in hearing preservation at work was used. Questionnaires A and B were applied prior to and one month after intervention, respectively. The answers to both questionnaires were analyzed by group according to gender and schooling. RESULTS: Results of the pre-intervention phase showed low scores regarding knowledge about hearing health in the work setting for both groups, but significant improvement in knowledge was observed after intervention in the SG, with 77.7% of the answers presenting significant difference between the groups. There was also an improvement in the mean scores, with 35 responses (95.22%) presenting scores >4 (considered adequate). The women presented lower knowledge scores than the men; however, these differences were not observed in the SG after the workshops. Schooling was not a relevant factor in the assessment. CONCLUSION: The educational proposal grounded in the Participatory Problem-based Methodology expanded knowledge about hearing health at work among the participants.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a efetividade das ações educativas em saúde auditiva desenvolvidas em uma lavanderia hospitalar. MÉTODO: Pesquisa avaliativa de abordagem quantitativa realizada numa lavanderia hospitalar. A população do estudo foi constituída por 80 trabalhadores, de ambos os gêneros, subdivididos em Grupo Intervenção GI e Grupo Sem Intervenção GSI. Foram avaliadas as ações educativas sobre preservação auditiva realizadas na abordagem teórica da Metodologia Problematizadora e Participativa, num total de 5 oficinas. Para avaliar os resultados das oficinas, foi utilizado um instrumento com 36 questões sobre conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas em preservação auditiva no trabalho. A Versão "A" foi aplicada antes da intervenção e a Versão "B", após um mês de seu término. Analisaram-se as respostas dos questionários A e B por grupos com e sem intervenção em relação ao gênero e escolaridade. RESULTADOS: Os resultados encontrados na fase pré-intervenção demonstraram que os dois grupos apresentaram problemas no conhecimento relacionado à saúde auditiva no trabalho. Após a intervenção educativa, houve aumento significativo do conhecimento em relação à saúde auditiva no trabalho do GI com 77,77% das questões que apresentaram diferenças significantes entre os grupos. Houve melhora na média de pontuação com 35 (97,22%) questões apresentando pontuação maior que 4 (considerada resposta adequada). O gênero feminino apresentou conhecimentos inferiores ao masculino, porém, após as oficinas, essas diferenças não foram observadas no GI. A escolaridade não foi um fator relevante neste estudo. CONCLUSÃO: A proposta educativa pautada na metodologia problematizadora ampliou o conhecimento referente à saúde auditiva no trabalho entre os participantes.