Before we describe the role of environmental surfaces in pathogen transmission, we should define what we mean by environmental surfaces.

"Environmental surfaces" refers to the surfaces of resident care equipment and housekeeping surfaces like floors, walls, bed rails, and doorknobs.

Housekeeping surfaces can further be divided into those with minimal hand contact, such as floors and ceilings, and those with frequent hand contact, which are referred to as high-touch surfaces. High-touch surfaces include doorknobs, bed rails, light switches, and wall areas around the toilet.

This module will focus on the role of housekeeping surfaces in pathogen transmission.