DESC:AN INTERACTIVE PLATFORM FOR DETERMINING HYGIENE INDEX OF A PREMISES
FIELD OF INVENTION
The invention generally relates to the field of hygiene indexing and particularly to an interactive platform for determining hygiene index of a premises.
BACKGROUND
Maintaining a healthy and a safe premises is very important especially in the times of a crisis like an epidemic or a pandemic. There are various studies done for maintaining the hygiene of a premises. Determination of health index plays an important role in evaluating the effectiveness, quality and readiness of the premises.
One of the systems known in the art provides a school health index for self-evaluation for schools. The school health index addresses the health aspects that include physical activity and physical education, nutrition, tobacco use prevention, alcohol and drug use prevention, school counselling, psychological, and social services, social and emotional climate, physical environment, employee wellness and health promotion, family engagement and community involvement. The school health index is not used in rating and comparing of the schools. Further, the system is static and cannot be used to capture the dynamics of different geographies and settings.
However, there is no interactive mechanism to rate and compare the premises based on the safety and hygiene of the premises.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG.1a shows a representative screenshot of an input screen for determining hygiene index of a premises, according to an example of the invention.
FIG.1b shows a representative screenshot of an output screen for determining hygiene index of a premises, according to an example of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the invention provides a method for determining hygiene index of a premises. The method includes capturing a plurality of information about the premises and retrievably storing the captured information in a centralized server. The method further includes performing a detailed assessment of the captured information based on a plurality of parameters to identify improvements that are required to be made in the premises. Based on the detailed assessment, a hygiene index of the premise is provided along with an improvement plan for the premises.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Various embodiments of the invention provide an interactive platform and a method for determining hygiene index of a premises. Determination of hygiene index helps in evaluating the safety and overall readiness of the premises. The method for determining hygiene index of a premises includes capturing a plurality of information about the premises, retrievably storing the captured information in a centralized server and performing a detailed assessment of the captured information based on a plurality of parameters to identify improvements that are required to be made in the premises. Based on the detailed assessment, a hygiene index of the premise is provided along with an improvement plan for the premises. The premises described herein includes but is not limited to a school, a college, an institution, an office, an organization, a workplace, a hospital, a hotel, an apartment or a building. The method described herein briefly shall be explained in detail.
The method for determining hygiene index of the premises includes capturing a plurality of information about the premises. The information includes name, address, rating, primary use, year of construction, urban/rural, prior rating, per capita square footage, facilities, policies, adherence to local regulations. The captured information is retrievably stored in a database. Upon collecting the details about the premises, a detailed assessment is performed to identify if there are visible improvements to be made in the premises.
The assessment can be an internal assessment and/or an external assessment. In one embodiment of the invention, the detailed assessment is performed by a team of experts and scores are assigned to each of the parameters. In one embodiment, the internal assessment is based on a plurality of parameters and is carried out every quarter to determine the scores for each of the parameters. In one example of the invention, the internal assessment is carried out by an authorised user of the premises using the interactive platform. The parameters described herein include but are not limited to campus upkeep, sanitation and hygiene, waste management, infection control, support services, hygiene promotion, ventilation and lighting, pollution levels, healthcare facilities and emergency management.
In one embodiment of the invention, the external assessment is carried out by an external assessment team for validation of the scores. The external assessment team includes public health experts, experts working with developments partners/ international agencies/NGOs, trained internal and external assessors for national quality assurance standards/other quality standards, faculty from medical colleges, retired senior health officials and other health experts. In one example of the invention, the external assessment team consists of three assessors, of which one would be an independent expert. The external assessment includes at least one scheduled check and also at least one surprise check.
Subsequent to the completion of the internal and external assessment, the method is configured for providing a score card based on the plurality of parameters and their sub parameters. In one embodiment of the invention, the sub-parameters values are determined by the assessors based on observation, stake holder interactions and document reviews. The score card shows the parameters based on which the assessment is carried out, a weightage that is given to each parameter and the means for verification of each of the parameters. The weightages are dynamically assigned to the parameters by the method based on the inputs that include but are not limited to building type, geography, end-users, urban/rural setting and the like inputs. The dynamic updation of the weightage is a constantly evolving, self-sustaining mechanism without requiring any human intervention. The weightages are determined by the interactive platform through a method. In one example of the invention, the method is a machine learning algorithm that is hosted on a cloud based server.
The method of assigning the weightages is given by:
Step 1: Take the suggested weightages information from the health expert. Ensure that the new weightages are adding upto 100.
Step 2: Calculate the new weightages of each parameter in the following formula:
Current weightage of Parameter 1 = X
Given weightage of Parameter 1 by Expert = Y.
New weightage Z for Parameter 1 is calculated as Z = (4X + 2Y)/6
This formula is designed to have a bigger bias towards the existing weightage while determining the newer weightage. This allows for lesser variation for individual inputs while the machine learns the right weightage.
For example, X = 7, Y = 9, Z = (4X + 2Y) /6 = 46/ 6 = 7.6667
Z value is taken to 4 decimal places only (7.6667)
Step 3: Repeat the calculation in Step 2 for each of the parameters.
Step 4: The new weightages may not all add up to 100. Hence use the below formula to re-adjust weightages
X (Parameter 1) + X (Parameter 2) + …. + X (Parameter 12) = A Z (Parameter 1) + Z (Parameter 2) + …. + Z (Parameter 12) = B If A is not equal to B, then recalculate the Sigma as Sigma = A/B.
Step 5: With Z and Sigma calculated, recalculate the new weightages to be taken as the base weightages for future.
New base weightage Z " (Category1) = Z (category 1) * Sigma For example,
The current sum of all weightages = A = 100
The sum of all new weightages = B = 104.6683
Hence the new learned weightages of all parameters Sigma = A/B
Sigma = 100/104.6683 = 0.9554
New base weightage Z " (Category 1) = 7.6667 * (100/104.6683) = 7.3248
Step 6: Store the new values in the Weightage Vault. The Weightage vault is updated when the next set of inputs are provided by the public health expert.
Table 1 shows a score card, according to an example of the invention.

Table 1:

Reference No. Parameter Score Means of
Verification Method
A. Facility Upkeep 35
A1 Landscaping & Gardening
1 Observe overall landscaping and the garden.
(If satisfactory 1 or else 0) OB
A2 Maintenance of Open Areas 2 Observe for open areas with respect to cleanliness
(Clean – 2 points, Partially Clean – 1 pt, Dirty – 0 pt) OB
A3 Facility Appearance 2 Observe facility of school like Physical structure, neatly painted, presence of clear display boards
(2 pt – impeccable, 1 pt – good,
0 pt – unwelcoming) OB
A4 Infrastructure Maintenance 5 Observe maintenance of infrastructure like Classrooms – 1 or0, Playgrounds - 1 or 0, Laboratory – 1 or 0, Library – 1 or 0, Assembly area - 1 or 0
(mark 1 if it is regularly maintained, else 0) OB/ DR
A5 Maintenance of Furniture & Fixture 5 Observe furniture like benches, chairs, tables, cupboards of the class rooms, corridors, library, labs and enquire about review from time to time and replaced in case of any damage to the furniture.
(5 points if maintenance is done regularly with necessary documents. If some maintenance is done, 3 points and 0 if no maintenance seems to be done in past 6-9 months) OB/ DR
A6 Playground 10 Observe playground, enquire about annual comprehensive safety assessment and daily assessment of playgrounds.
5 – if adequate ground space is available, else 0
3 – if the ground is suitable for kids playing and other activities, else 0
2 – Monitoring of ground available through CCTV , else 0 OB/ DR/SI
A7 Water supply management 5 Check if running water is available in both boys and girls toilet, Check if coolers are working fine and also test the potability of the drinking water.
3 – Running water availability, else 0
2 – if drinking water with acceptable TDS < 200 is available, else 0 OB/ DR
A8 Accessibility 5 Need to ensure that the campus is friendly to disabled people. Look for ramps for wheel chair, Braille info for visually impaired.
(5 pt – Excellent facility, 3 pt – Partially disabled friendly, 0 pt - No special effort for making the campus disabled friendly) OB/ SI/ DR
B. Sanitation & Hygiene 35
B1. Cleanliness of Playing Area 3 Observe for cleanliness of playing area, observe dustbins placed in the playing area OB
B2 Cleanliness of Classrooms 5 Observe for any littering garbage, check for dustbins, enquire about rooms being cleaned every day, check if the benches are dust free and clean and check the records of daily cleaning of the rooms.
(3 pt – Looks clean, 2 pt – Documentation available, else 0) OB/ DR
B3 Cleanliness of Activity rooms 3 Observe for any littering garbage, check for dustbins, ask if the rooms are cleaned every day, check if toys/equipment are dust free and clean. check the records of daily cleaning of the rooms.
(2 pt – Looks clean, 1 pt – Documentation available, else 0) OB/ DR
B4 Cleanliness of Office rooms 1 Observe for any garbage/ waste in the office rooms, observe the cleanliness of tables and chairs in office rooms
(1 pt – if clean, else 0) OB
B5 Cleanliness of Canteen/ Kitchen 5 Observe for Stringent hygiene in the canteen, enquire regarding storage of raw food ingredients and observe if any rodent/ fly nuisance is present.
2 pt – If the place is clean
2 pt - Documentation of cleaning, supplies and waste management
1 pt – Satisfactory interview with the staff on the SOP OB/ SI/ DR
B6 Cleanliness of Toilets 5 2 pt – Clean appearance, no foul smell, dustbin in place
2 pt – Documentation for regular cleaning
1 pt – Staff interview for SOP adherence OB/ SI/ DR
B7 Use of standard materials and Equipment for Cleaning 2 Enquire about the materials and equipment used for cleaning, is there regular maintenance of equipment
(2 pt – if satisfactory, else 0) SI/ DR
B8 Use of Standard Methods Cleaning 2 Enquire about chemical details used forcleaning.Check for procurement details of the materials, verify the expiry date, observe how the rooms are swept and mopped.
(1 pt – Documentation,
1 pt – Appropriate cleaning method) OB/ DR
B9 Monitoring of Cleanliness Activities 4 Interview person in-charge of monitoring the cleaning activities, check for the schedule for janitors and check for documentation.
( 2 pt – for satisfactory interview and SOP, 2 pt – Documentation) SI/ DR
B10 Drainage and Sewage Management 5 check the drainage and sewage management in the school premises and surrounding area of school, enquire how is the sewage disposed, check for mosquito nuisance, enquire if regular spraying is done to prevent the mosquitoes
(3 points – for Good sewage infrastructure, 2 points – Documentation for disinfection) OB/DR
C. Waste Management 5
C1 Segregation of Biomedical waste 1 Observe if BMW colour coded bins are maintained
OB
C2 Collection and Transportation of Biomedical waste 1 Agreement with BMW collection agency and its documentation DR
C3 Segregation of Dry and Wet Waste 1 Is the waste segregated into dry and wet and check for separate dustbins for dry and wet waste OB
C4 Disposal of dry and wet waste 2 Agreement for disposal of daily dry and wet waste and its documentation. OB/SI/ DR
D. Infection Control 20
D1 Hand Hygiene 5 Observe for the following:
1) adequate and hygienic places for hand wash
2) continuous water supply for hand wash
3) Foot operated taps
4) hand wash/soap for washing,
5) hand washing posters in the wash rooms.
1 point for each – 0 if absent OB
D2 Personal Protective Equipment 5 Observe the use of the PPE in the infirmary and also observe if PPEs are certified, enquire about number of masks/gloves.
(give 3 points if all the points are satisfied, 1 point for each component
2 points if Documentation is properly maintained) OB/DR
D3 Disinfection of Transport vehicles 5 Observe the disinfection process of a school bus/van, Look for the documentation maintained for the disinfection of transport
( 5 pts – if everything is satisfactory, 3 pts – partially satisfactory, 0 pt – no record of vehicle disinfection) DR
D4 Disinfection to prevent disease spreading insects 5 Look for documentation of fumigation activities to prevent breeding of disease spreading mosquitoes and disease spreading insects. Check for the agreement with the fumigation / pest control
( 5 pts – if everything is satisfactory, 3 pts – partially satisfactory, 0 pt – no record of vehicle disinfection) DR
E. Support Services 50
E1 Sports facilities 10 Observe for qualified sports teacher, playground, regular sports competitions, facilities of indoor sports, sporting equipment
(2 point for each present, 0 for absent) OB/SI
E2 Facilities for yoga, meditation etc 5 Observe for yoga teacher, separate place for yoga and meditation, adequate yoga mats.
(3 points for facilities,
2 points for interview with yoga instructor) OB/SI
E3 Physical activities in time table 5 Enquire about no. of hours of sports class
(5 points – if atleast 3 hours of physical activity/week/kid, 3 points – if atleast 2 hours, 1 point – Atleast 1 hour ) DR
E4 Nutritionist for inputs on canteen services 5 Enquire about nutritionist to inspect the canteen services, observe food given to children and diet chart in the canteen
( 1 points for diet chart, 2 points for children awareness of nutrition, 2 points for interview of nutritionist) OB/SI
E5 Facility for psychometric analysis and holistic progress assessment 5 Observe how psychometric analysis and holistic progress assessment is done
(5 points – regular test + report monitoring
3 points – regular test
0 points – no psychometric test) OB/SI
E6 Monitoring of food quality, hygiene and standard of food 5 Enquire about monitoring of food quality, hygiene and standards and taste
(2 points – food taste
2 points – documentation of maintenance of canteen
1 point – Interview of canteen staff of awareness of hygiene and nutrition) OB/SI/ DR
E7 Disability Awareness program 5 Enquire about the conduct of disability awareness programs for the staff and children.
( 5 pt – well documented,
0 – if no documentation) DR
E8 Counselling services 10 Enquire about appointed psychologist counselor, Enquire about regular screening for identifying the students and staff in need of counselling.
( 5 points – Interview with counsellor
5 points – Documentation of counselling services, mechanism of follow-up etc) SI/ DR
E9 Stress management programs 5 Enquire about any stress management programs, who carries out the programs, check for the documentation
( 5 pt – structured program available
3 pt – some programs available
0 pt – no program) SI/ DR
E10 Students and Staff mental health promotion 5 Enquire about any regular health education activities for the students and staff.
Does the school call any guest doctor/ psychologists for such activities.
( 5 pt – structured program available
3 pt – some programs available
0 pt – no program)
SI/ DR
F. Health Policy 50
F1. Comprehensive Health Policy Document/Standard Operating Procedures 10 Enquire and check SOP for maintaining and ensuring hygiene among the students.
(10 points if present and comprehensive, 5 points – Partial document, 0 points – No document) DR
F2. Training and Capacity Building 5 Enquire and check documents of appropriate regular training and Capacity Building in areas of health awareness, fitness etc for the staff members
( 3 points – Document present, 2 points – Interview of staff regarding the same) DR/SI
F3. Staff Hygiene and dress code 1 Observe dress code of staff,
Enquire about inspections to check the staff hygiene and dress code, Check documentation for the same,
Enquire about action taken in case if any staff violated the rules
(1 point – if satisfactory, Else 0 point) SI
F4. Anti-tobacco committee (tobacco cessation) 2 Enquire about committee for tobacco cessation
(2 points – If committee exists and runs satisfactorily, 0 points – no Committee) SI/ DR
F5. Anti-ragging committee (prevention of bullying/ violence) 2 Interview Anti-ragging committee members for prevention of bullying/ violence
Observe any posters displayed about ragging
( 1 pt – for Posters
1 pt – for satisfactory interview of the committee member) OB/SI
F6 Adolescence Education Policy 5 Enquire about Adolescence Education Policy addressing the issues sex education, awareness of adolescence, harmonal changes, hygiene during adolescence etc
( 5 points – Satisfactory document and interview with staff conducting the sessions, 3 points – Partial, 0 points – Unsatisfactory) SI/ DR
F7 Policy against corporal punishment 5 Enquire about Policy against corporal punishment and the members of committee
Check the documentation and interview the members
( 5 points – Document and interview is satisfactory, 3 points – Partial, 0 points – Unsatisfactory) SI/ DR
F8 Health education policy 10 Enquire and check the documentations of regular health educations conducted
Any written policy is present for health education
(5 points – For satisfactory document
5 points – Interview with the instructors who are incharge of health education)
SI/ DR
G. Green environment 30
G1 Natural lighting in classrooms 5 Observe for proper lighting in the class room
( 5 points – complete natural lighting
3 points – partially natural light + LED lighting
0 points – Dark rooms with dependence on electrical lighting) OB
G2 Well aerated classrooms 5 Observe for proper ventilation in the class rooms (windows, fans in place) Observe for pleasant odour in the classroom.
( 5points – well aerated with no bad odour, 3 points – Partially aerated, no bad odour, 0 points – Damp, bad odour) OB
G3 Building design for ventilation 5 Check the overall building design for ventilation
(5 points – Good ventilation design in entire campus, 3 points – Decent ventilation, 0 points – poorly ventilation) OB
G4 Usage of Solar power for heating/lighting 2 Observe usage of Solar power for heating, verify the documents
( 2 points if using solar power else 0 points) SI/ DR
G5 Anti-microbial air conditioning 3 Observe Anti-microbial air conditioning, verify the documents
( 3 points – if anti-microbial filter present, 0 points – if absent) OB
G6 STP installed for waste management 2 Enquire about STP installed for waste management, verify the documents
(2 points – if installed
0 points – absent) DR
G7 Rain water harvesting facility 2 Enquire about rain water harvesting done or not If yes verify the documents
(2 points – if installed, 0 points – absent) DR
G8 Recycling of waste water 2 Enquire if the school Recycle waste water. If yes, verify the documents.
( 2 points – if installed, 0 points – absent) DR
G9 Green cover 2 Observe for green cover in the school
If yes verify the documents
(2 points – Good greenery in the vicinity
0 points – absent) OB
G10 Composting of wet waste 2 Enquire about Composting of wet waste, check agency for doing it, enquire how often is it done, how is it monitored. If yes, verify the documents
(2 points – facility present, 0 points – absent) DR
H. Pollution 20
H1. Air pollution levels in open area 5 Enquire about device to measure air pollution level, if yes check the values
Check the air pollution levels by portable measuring device. If within normal mark 5 OB
H2. Air pollution levels in class rooms 5 Enquire about device to measure air pollution level, if yes check the values
Check the air pollution levels by portable measuring device
If within normal, mark 5 OB
H3. Noise pollution level 5 Enquire about device to measure noise pollution level, if yes check the values
Spot check the noise pollution level by meters as Pulsar model 14 or pulsar Nova OB
H4. Pollution compliance of Transport vehicles – BS VI 2 Check the pollution compliance of all vehicles DR
H5. Water quality (within TDS limits) 3 Check TDS , if within normal limits mark 2 OB
I. HealthCare Facilities 60
I1. Full First aid kit availability 5 Check for availability of first aid kit with all necessary instruments and its documentation. SI/ DR
I2. Qualified nurse availability 10 Enquire about qualified and well-trained nurse in the wellness room
(5 points for presence of qualified nurse, else 0 SI/ DR
I3. Health record maintenance SOP 5 Enquire about Health record SOP of all its student and staff members DR
I4. Annual Health screening 10 Enquire about regular Annual Health screening, Check documents of the Screening records. Check for agreement of school with some NGO/agency for annual health screening (10 points if all satisfactory, 5 points if partially satisfactory, else 0) DR
I5. Availability of resting place/beds 5 Enough resting place/beds is present/not present in the wellness room ( 5 points – satisfactory, 3 points – partially satisfactory, else 0) OB
I6 Medicines 5 All necessary pediatric and general medicines, life saving drugs are stocked in adequate quantities and all the stock is in good condition/not expired.
(5 points – satisfactory, 3 points – partially satisfactory, else 0) OB/DR
I7. Teachers’ health care 5 Enquire about any SOP/document for teachers’ health care (5 points – satisfactory, 3 points – partially satisfactory, else 0) DR
I8 Referral system 5 Is there a proper referral system for referring to higher centers/hospitals?
Check the referral register (5 points – satisfactory, 3 points – partially satisfactory, else 0) DR
I9. Certified School Health co-ordinator 10 Enquire for certified school health co-ordinator appointed/not appointed,
Check for their certification
(5 points – presence of certified co-ordinator.
SI/ DR
J. Emergency Management 25
J1 SOP for medical emergency 5 Enquire about SOP for medical emergency. Detailed documentation should be present regarding communication to hospital, parents, public health authorities and other agencies. (5 points – satisfactory, 3 points – partially satisfactory, else 0) DR
J2 Ambulance facility/tie-up for emergency 5 Does the school have ambulance facility or at least tie up with ambulance for emergency ( 5 points – if present, else 0) DR
J3 Fire safety 5 Observe fire safety measures taken, check the document of the same
(5 points – satisfactory, 3 points – partially satisfactory, else 0)
DR
J4 Electrical safety 5 Observe the Electrical safety measures taken. Check the documents for the same (5 points – satisfactory, 3 points – partially satisfactory, else 0) DR
J5 Lab safety 5 Enquire about measures taken for Lab safety, Check the documents for
the same (5 points – satisfactory, 3 points – partially satisfactory, else 0) DR
J6 Awareness and Emergency Drills 5 Does the school conduct regular Awareness and Emergency Drills and its frequency. Check the documents for the same (5 points – satisfactory, 3 points – partially satisfactory, else 0) SI/ DR
K Parents and Community involvement 15
K1 Communication strategy 2 Enquire about mode of Communication strategy to communicate with the parents
Enquire if the parents are aware of the activities of the school
Check the documents (2 points – if Communication SOP present and satisfactory, 1 points – if partially satisfactory, Else 0 points) DR
K2 Parents engagement in school decision making 3 Enquire how the school ensures Family engagement in school decision making
check the appropriate documents. Interview of parents on the parents council to understand the mechanism of engagement ( 3 points – if engagement model present and working satisfactory,
2 points – if partially satisfactory,
Else 0 points) SI/ DR
K3 Family volunteers 1 Enquire if the school encourages Family volunteers for school activities
(1 if happening, else 0) DR
K4 Functional Parent teachers Association 2 Enquire if there is Functional Parent teachers Association and do they conduct PTA meeting regularly.
Check the documentation of the same
( 2 points – satisfactory, else 0) DR
K5 Sharing school health updates with families 3 Enquire if the school shares its student’s health updates with families of the students, is the parent informed immediately in case if their kid feels unwell, what protocol is followed ( 2 points – Documentation ,
1 point – Interview with parent) SI/ DR
K6 Community involvement in school health initiatives 2 Enquire about Community involvement like the local leaders, in school health initiatives ( 2 points – if present, 0 points – else) DR
K7 Outreach activities 2 Does the school conduct regular Outreach activities regularly?
Check documentation of outreach activities ( 2 points – if present, 0 points – else ) DR
L Health Promotion and Activities
50
L1 Kids hygiene and awareness
10 Need to check on the cleanliness and awareness of hygiene amongst kids.
5 points – Observation of kids during assembly, using washrooms, lunch break etc.
5 points – Interview with 5 students from various classes to check on their knowledge about handwashing, brushing, eating habits etc OB/SI
L2 Adequate exposure to sunlight
5 Need to check how long a kid gets exposure to sunlight – either during assembly or during physical activities.
( 5 points – if weekly 100 minutes of exposure, 3 points – weekly 50 min, 0 points – no exposure OB/SI
L3 sports competitions
10 Need to check if sports competitions are regularly conducted. (10 points – If satisfactory, 5 points – partially satisfactory, 0 – else) DR/SI
L4 life skill trainings
5 Look for records of life skill trainings provided to the kids – such as first aid, CPR etc ( 3 – present, 0 – else, 2 points – for interviewing the kids on the procedures) SI/ DR
L5 Health emergency trainings
5 Staff should be trained for health emergencies.
3 points – for Training documents
2 points – Interviewing the staff DR/SI
L6 conducting field trips to healthcare facilities
5 Check if field trips are conducted to healthcare facilities to encourage health awareness.
( 5 – if documented, 0 – else ) DR
L7 seminars/health talks conducted
10 Check if Regular health talks and workshops are conducted to kids/parents and teachers on various topics of health (10 points – if atleast 2 workshops/talks, 5 points – if atleast 1 workshop/talk, 0 points – else) DR
OB- Direct Observation; SI- Staff interview; DR- Document review
Example:School Covid Readiness Index and Protocol Test (SCRIPT)
Covid crisis has brought together an urgent need to make schools and colleges safe. In one example of the invention, schools can get their SCRIPT score using the interactive platform for determining hygiene index of a premises. A minimum SCRIPT score can be mandated to declare safety for schools to re-open. FIG.1a shows a representative screenshot of an input screen for determining hygiene index of a premises, according to an example of the invention.
Table 2 shows a SCRIPT score card, according to an example of the invention.
Table 2:
Reference No. Parameters Score
A. Overall Readiness 25
A1 Temperature checking protocol 2
A2 Physical distance markers in place 2
A3 Hand sanitization availability 2
A4 Documentation maintenance 2
A5 Bio Medical Waste Management 2
A6 Water Hygiene 5
A7 Well Equipped Infirmary 10

B. Infection Control 30
B1 Mask protocols in place 2
B2 Personal Protective Equipment 2
B3 Monitoring of Disinfection 2
B4 Disinfection of Transport vehicles 2
B5 Disinfection to prevent disease spreading insects 2
B6 Disinfection of Rooms 5
B7 Cleanliness of Toilets 5
B8 Use of standards materials and Equipment for Cleaning 5
B9 Use of Standard Methods for Disinfection 5

C Covid Awareness 20
C1 Kids hygiene and awareness 2
C2 Accuracy of Information 2
C3 Standard Operating Procedures in place 10
C4 Information posters on display 2
C5 Stakeholder Communication protocol 2
C6 Training for staff in place 2

D. Emergency Management 25
D1 COVID detection protocols in place 5
D2 COVID certified Nurse/Co-ordinator 10
D3 Isolation room/bed 5
D4 Awareness of covid positive patient management 5

Based on the score card, the method determines the hygiene index of the premises. The hygiene index is calculated based on the weighted average of the scores on the individual parameters and sub-parameters.
For example, consider the parameter ‘Emergency Management',
The max score that can be achieved for Emergency Management = 25 (say N)
The score achieved by the premises based on the inspection = 19 (say P)
The weightage for Emergency management = 12 (say Q)
Hence the score achieved for this parameter in the weighted hygiene index is
Score (S1) = (P/N) * Q
Score (S1) = (19/25) * 12 = 9.12
Similarly the score will be calculated for each parameters S1, S2….S12.
Final Hygiene Index of premises is given by
Hygiene Index (H) = S1 + S2 + S3 + …. S12
The Hygiene Index has a Max score of 100.
FIG.1b shows a representative screenshot of an output screen of the interactive platform for determining hygiene index of a premises, according to an example of the invention.
The method is also configured for conducting a GAP analysis and generating an improvement plan for the premises along with cost perspective of the improvement plans. The improvement plans are suggested in a cost-effective manner. The method suggests areas where a minimal change can get better score and help the owner of the premises to improve the hygiene index and safety. For each parameter and each sub-parameter on which the hygiene index is calculated, we have specific thresholds. For example, if a premises scores less in health emergency trainings, the method recommends an automated improvement plan by mapping the deficiencies. The automated recommendation for the above scenario is:
"The premises is lacking the necessary arrangement for health emergency training. We recommend the following activities:
A) Identify a co-ordinator, a senior staff in the organization who will be incharge of health emergency.
B) Connect with a health education provider/ hospital that can help with the training.
C) Ensure that there are atleast 5 staff who will take the training.
D) Conduct a health emergency drill and note the learnings.
E) Ensure that the emergency training and drill are part of the annual activities calendar.”
Thus, the invention provides an interactive platform for determining hygiene index of a premises. The advantage of the present invention is that it is easy-to-use and it promotes cleanliness, hygiene, safety and infection control practices in a premises by providing a cost effective improvement plan. The invention also provides incentivisation and recognition to a premises that shows exemplary performance in adhering to standard protocols of cleanliness and infection control and helps to inculcate a culture of ongoing assessment and peer-review of performance related to hygiene, cleanliness and sanitation. Therefore, the invention helps to create sustainable practices related to improved cleanliness in a premises leading to positive health and also facilitates emergency management during epidemic and pandemic situations.
The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A method for determining hygiene index of a premises, the method comprising:
capturing a plurality of information about the premises;
retrievably storing the captured information in a centralized server;
performing a detailed assessment of the captured information based on a plurality of parameters to identify improvements that are required to be made in the premises; and
providing a hygiene index based on the detailed assessment.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
generating an improvement plan for the premises along with cost perspective of the improvement plans.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the premises comprises of a school, a college, an institution, an office, an organization, a workplace, a hospital, a hotel, apartment or a building.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the information comprises of name, address, rating, primary use, year of construction, urban/rural, prior rating, per capita square footage, facilities, policies, adherence to local regulations.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the parameter comprises of campus upkeep, sanitation and hygiene, waste management, infection control, support services, hygiene promotion, ventilation and lighting, pollution levels, healthcare facilities and emergency management.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detailed assessment is performed by a team of experts and scores are assigned to each of the parameters.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein detailed assessment further comprises of dynamically allocating a weightage to each of the parameters based on a score given by the experts to determine the hygiene index.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weightage is determined by Z = (4X + 2Y)/6, wherein X = Initial weightage of the parameter, Y= weightage of the parameter provided by an expert.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hygiene index is calculated based on the weighted average of the scores on the individual parameters and sub-parameters.

Bangalore RANI MADANAN
9th July 2021 INTELLOCOPIA IP SERVICES
AGENT FOR APPLICANT