Published Paper Details:

Background: Linen management is a critical support service in hospitals that directly influences infection control, patient safety, and operational efficiency. Poor linen handling practices can contribute to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and inefficiencies in patient care delivery . Objective: To evaluate the existing linen management system in a tertiary care hospital and identify operational gaps affecting efficiency, quality, and availability. Methods: A descriptive observational study was conducted using process mapping, stock analysis, and structured questionnaires administered to nursing and administrative staff (n=11). Results: Major issues identified included inconsistent linen availability, manual record-keeping errors, lack of quality checks, and absence of real-time tracking systems. Stock discrepancies revealed a loss of 12 items in one month. Feedback indicated that most respondents rated linen services as "average," with hygiene concerns being prominent. Conclusion: Significant operational gaps exist in the linen management system. Implementation of RFID technology, process standardization, and improved coordination can enhance efficiency and patient care outcomes.