Detroit, MI -- (SBWire) -- 04/27/2016 --Preventing hospital-acquired infections continues to be one of the healthcare industry's critical points of concern. According to the CDC, roughly one in 25 hospital patients has a healthcare-associated infection (HAI) on any given day. Over the past several years, the CDC has observed a decrease in the overall HAI rate, but there is still much work for providers to do in order to bring that rate down to zero. Increasingly, this ongoing challenge has providers seeking infection prevention solutions in innovative ways. ImageFIRST Detroit, a medical laundry, uniform and linen service in Grand Rapids, MI, recently shared an example of creative infection prevention that reflects their own values as an innovative medical linen and laundry vendor.

An article in the American Journal of Infection Control suggests that creative motivational factors can contribute to infection prevention. The article described a study that was designed to encourage hand-washing hygiene behavior. Proper hand hygiene is a cornerstone of infection prevention within any healthcare facility, but it is sometimes difficult to regulate. However, the study suggested that using gain-framed messages extolling the benefits of hand-washing leads to an increase in staff following hand-washing procedures. In the study, it was found that screensavers with messages that encourage hand hygiene and include images of peers and patients, are effective at capturing subjects' attention and creating an effect of peer pressure, which then increases their likelihood of following hand hygiene procedures. The study is an example of creative solutions that have an immediate impact on the behavior of industry professionals, which can in turn improve the infection prevention rate.

As a provider of medical linen, laundry, patient gowns and uniforms in Detroit, MI, ImageFIRST Detroit is a key partner for healthcare providers who are seeking innovative solutions to their infection prevention goals. ImageFIRST's Triple BioShield process is a frontline defense against bacteria: A sanitizing wash process kills up to 99.999% percent of known pathogens, and a protective coating adds an extra layer of protection to linen and garments once they leave ImageFIRST's laundry facility. While all products that leave their laundering facilities are encased in plastic, patient gowns come individually wrapped in a plastic bag, for protection and assurance that patients can see.

Other innovative services from ImageFIRST are designed to free up healthcare staff from the tasks of linen inventory management so that they can focus on patient care and prevention best practices. For example, ImageFIRST's Customer Advocates are much more than delivery drivers. ImageFIRST has expanded this role into one resembling an extra team member who takes care of inventory control, stocking and overall support. Plus, services like ImageFIRST's Instant Service App, Same-Day Linen Rescue program and the Online Customer Portal streamlines the linen management process with creative solutions.

ImageFIRST's innovations thrive on customer feedback. Those interested in suggesting their own improvements or simply learning more can visit http://detroit.imagefirst.com.

About ImageFIRST Detroit
Founded in 1967, ImageFIRST is the largest and fastest growing national linen rental and laundry service specializing in the outpatient medical market. ImageFIRST's 36 locations nationwide serve over 5,500 medical offices every week, providing linen, patient gowns, scrubs and much more while partnering with facilities to better manage linen inventory. With a customer retention rate of over 95%, ImageFIRST is dedicated to improving patient satisfaction through quality linens and remarkable service: their Comfort Care gowns product line increases patients' favorable perception of a facility by more than 50%.

To learn more about the ImageFIRST in Detroit, MI, please visit their website at http://detroit.imagefirst.com.