Why is routine disinfection of near-patient surfaces essential?

Surfaces that were contaminated with pathogens are a well-documented source of infections and outbreaks.

Background:

To prevent infection and outbreak risk from contaminated surfaces, routine disinfection that is a part of a multi-barrier system is a must. What are the surfaces with the highest risk of pathogen transmission? According to the risk assessment by Robert Koch-Institute, these are the surfaces that come in direct contact with the skin (especially hands), mucous membranes of both patients and staff, as well as the ones contaminated by secretions, excretions and airborne transmission. These include near-patient surfaces that are subject to direct and frequent contamination and surfaces further from the patient that can become contaminated through skin contact and airborne transmission.

References:
KRINKO (2004) Anforderungen an die Hygiene bei der Reinigung und Desinfektion von Flächen. Bundesgesundheitsbl 47: 51–61.