Validation of a predictive tool to evaluate air flow strategies and working practices in reducing the risk of infection of staff and patients

摘要

This paper focuses on the use and validation of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as a tool in helping reduce the risk of infection in hospitals. Microbiological and airflow measurements were undertaken in the bronchoscopy room of a South Yorkshire hospital before and after ventilation maintenance. Observations of working practices were also made. Both scenarios, before and after ventilation maintenance, were then modelled by CFD. The predictions were compared with measurements to evaluate the capabilities of CFD to optimise hospital treatment areas. The potential of CFD to investigate safer working practices is also discussed.