Hand sanitizer-dispensing door handles increase hand hygiene compliance: A pilot study

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 443-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukasz S. Babiarz ◽  
Brent Savoie ◽  
Mark McGuire ◽  
Lauren McConnell ◽  
Paul Nagy
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Hand Hygiene Compliance ◽  
Hand Sanitizer ◽  
Hygiene Compliance

scholarly journals Assessing Hand Hygiene and Low-Level Disinfection of Equipment Compliance in an Acute Care Setting: Mixed Methods Approach (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hammad Akram ◽  
Alison Andrews-Paul ◽  
Rachel Washburn
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Hand Hygiene Compliance ◽  
Peer Pressure ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Hand Sanitizer ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Hygiene Compliance ◽  
Evening Shift ◽  
Morning Shift

BACKGROUND Hand hygiene and low-level disinfection of equipment behaviors among hospital staff are some of the leading cost-effective methods to reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAI) among patients. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to examine hand hygiene and low-level disinfection of equipment practices in a central Texas hospital and to explore pertaining gaps, perceptions, and challenges. METHODS Data were collected using a multipronged mixed methods approach that included the following: (1) observation of hand hygiene and low-level disinfection practices (12 and 8 units during morning and evening shifts, respectively); (2) observation of usability/placement of hand sanitizer dispensers; (3) semistructured interviews; and (4) a follow-up email survey. RESULTS In total, 222 (156 morning shift and 66 evening shift) staff members were observed. Of 526 hand hygiene and 33 low-level disinfection opportunities, compliance was observed 410 (78%) and 17 (51%) times, respectively. Overall, 6 units (50%) had ≥0.80 (favorable) hand hygiene compliance during the morning shift and 2 units (25%) had ≥0.80 hand hygiene compliance during the evening shift. Aggregated low-level disinfection compliance was 0.54 during the morning and 0.33 during the evening. Overall, the odds of noncompliant hand hygiene behavior were 1.4 times higher among staff who worked during night shifts compared to day shifts; however, this relationship was not statistically significant (95% CI 0.86-2.18; <i>P</i>=.18). Noncompliant behavior was most likely among unit B staff during the evening; however, this relationship was not statistically significant (OR 5.3, 95% CI 0.84-32.9; <i>P</i>=.07) All units, except one, had similar hand sanitizer dispenser usability characteristics. In the qualitative part of the study, the following challenges were identified: “shortage of time while seeing patients,” “sometimes the staff forgets,” “concern about drying hands,” “behavior is difficult or requires reminders,” and “there may be issues with resources or access to supplies to perform these behaviors.” Staff also stated that “a process that is considered effective is the Stop the Line program,” and that the “behavior is easy and automatic.” CONCLUSIONS Hand hygiene and low-level disinfection compliance is dependent on several personal and nonpersonal factors. Issues such as time constraints, peer pressure, work culture, available resources, and understanding of guidelines could influence staff behavior. The information collected through this study can be used to re-examine similar or related issues at a larger scale.

scholarly journals Production of Disinfectants (Hand Sanitizers)

2021 ◽  
pp. 152-156
Author(s):  
Srushti Alesa
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Hand Hygiene Compliance ◽  
Ethanolic Extract ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Absolute Ethanol ◽  
Hand Sanitizer ◽  
Ethanolic Extraction ◽  
Hygiene Compliance ◽  
Locally Grown

Hand sanitizer is a supplement or alternative to hand washing with soap and water. The production of hand sanitizers from locally grown medicinal plants namely; wild spinach, turmeric, garlic) and camphor was achieved by obtaining the plants, grinding and performing ethanolic extraction for 72hrs on them. This ethanolic extract in combination with glycerin and absolute ethanol were used for the final preparation. Turmeric and garlic failed the hand sanitizer ‘s approval test based on their colour and pungent smell, but wild spinach and camphor were found to be good candidates for hand sanitizers production here in Nigeria and inclusion of such products here could increase hand hygiene compliance levels.

An Electronic Hand Hygiene Surveillance Device: A Pilot Study Exploring Surrogate Markers for Hand Hygiene Compliance

2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 634-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew G. Sahud ◽  
Nitin Bhanot ◽  
Anita Radhakrishnan ◽  
Rajinder Bajwa ◽  
Harish Manyam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Phase I ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hand Hygiene Compliance ◽  
Electronic Device ◽  
Compliance Rate ◽  
Patient Room ◽  
Hygiene Compliance

Objective.To evaluate the feasibility of using an electronic hand hygiene surveillance and feedback monitoring device.Design.A 2-phase pilot study included initial direct observation of hand hygiene practices as part of routine hospital quality assurance (phase I) and subsequent monitoring using an electronic hand hygiene surveillance device (phase II).Setting.A 700-bed tertiary care teaching hospital.Participants.Phase I included a convenience sample of healthcare workers. Phase II included 7 medical interns and 7 registered nurses recruited through email and at work-related meetings.Methods.During phase I, healthcare workers were directly observed at patient room entry and exit during the period April through November 2008. During phase II, hand hygiene data were gathered through indirect observation using the electronic device during a 4-week period in August 2009. Twenty patient rooms were fitted with electronic trigger devices that signaled a reader unit worn by participants when they entered the room, and 70 dispensers for liquid soap or hand sanitizer were fitted with triggers that signaled the reader unit when the dispenser was used. The accuracy of the devices was checked by the principal investigator, who manually recorded his room entries and exits and dispenser use while wearing a reader unit.Results.During phase I, hand hygiene occurred before room entry for 95 (25.1%) and after room exit for 149 (39.4%) of 378 directly observed patient room visits, for a cumulative composite compliance rate of 32.3%. Among the 378 room visits, 347 (91.8%) involved contact with the patient and/or environment. During phase II, electronic monitoring revealed a cumulative composite compliance rate of 25.5%. The electronic device captured 61 (98%) of 62 manually recorded room entries and 133 (95%) of 140 manually recorded dispensing events.Conclusions.The electronic hand hygiene surveillance device seems to be a practical method for routinely monitoring hand hygiene compliance in healthcare workers.

scholarly journals Assessing Hand Hygiene and Low-Level Disinfection of Equipment Compliance in an Acute Care Setting: Mixed Methods Approach

JMIR Nursing ◽  
10.2196/18788 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e18788
Author(s):  
Hammad Akram ◽  
Alison Andrews-Paul ◽  
Rachel Washburn
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Hand Hygiene Compliance ◽  
Peer Pressure ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Hand Sanitizer ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Hygiene Compliance ◽  
Evening Shift ◽  
Morning Shift

Background Hand hygiene and low-level disinfection of equipment behaviors among hospital staff are some of the leading cost-effective methods to reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAI) among patients. Objective The aim of this study is to examine hand hygiene and low-level disinfection of equipment practices in a central Texas hospital and to explore pertaining gaps, perceptions, and challenges. Methods Data were collected using a multipronged mixed methods approach that included the following: (1) observation of hand hygiene and low-level disinfection practices (12 and 8 units during morning and evening shifts, respectively); (2) observation of usability/placement of hand sanitizer dispensers; (3) semistructured interviews; and (4) a follow-up email survey. Results In total, 222 (156 morning shift and 66 evening shift) staff members were observed. Of 526 hand hygiene and 33 low-level disinfection opportunities, compliance was observed 410 (78%) and 17 (51%) times, respectively. Overall, 6 units (50%) had ≥0.80 (favorable) hand hygiene compliance during the morning shift and 2 units (25%) had ≥0.80 hand hygiene compliance during the evening shift. Aggregated low-level disinfection compliance was 0.54 during the morning and 0.33 during the evening. Overall, the odds of noncompliant hand hygiene behavior were 1.4 times higher among staff who worked during night shifts compared to day shifts; however, this relationship was not statistically significant (95% CI 0.86-2.18; P=.18). Noncompliant behavior was most likely among unit B staff during the evening; however, this relationship was not statistically significant (OR 5.3, 95% CI 0.84-32.9; P=.07) All units, except one, had similar hand sanitizer dispenser usability characteristics. In the qualitative part of the study, the following challenges were identified: “shortage of time while seeing patients,” “sometimes the staff forgets,” “concern about drying hands,” “behavior is difficult or requires reminders,” and “there may be issues with resources or access to supplies to perform these behaviors.” Staff also stated that “a process that is considered effective is the Stop the Line program,” and that the “behavior is easy and automatic.” Conclusions Hand hygiene and low-level disinfection compliance is dependent on several personal and nonpersonal factors. Issues such as time constraints, peer pressure, work culture, available resources, and understanding of guidelines could influence staff behavior. The information collected through this study can be used to re-examine similar or related issues at a larger scale.

scholarly journals A Decade in Trying to Increase Hand Hygiene—Finally Success

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s93-s94
Author(s):  
Linda Huddleston ◽  
Sheila Bennett ◽  
Christopher Hermann
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Hand Hygiene Compliance ◽  
Compliance Rate ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Central Line ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Hygiene Compliance ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Voice

Background: Over the past 10 years, a rural health system has tried 10 different interventions to reduce hospital-associated infections (HAIs), and only 1 intervention has led to a reduction in HAIs. Reducing HAIs is a goal of nearly all hospitals, and improper hand hygiene is widely accepted as the main cause of HAIs. Even so, improving hand hygiene compliance is a challenge. Methods: Our facility implemented a two-phase longitudinal study to utilize an electronic hand hygiene reminder system to reduce HAIs. In the first phase, we implemented an intervention in 2 high-risk clinical units. The second phase of the study consisted of expanding the system to 3 additional clinical areas that had a lower incidence of HAIs. The hand hygiene baseline was established at 45% for these units prior to the voice reminder being turned on. Results: The system gathered baseline data prior to being turned on, and our average hand hygiene compliance rate was 49%. Once the voice reminder was turned on, hand hygiene improved nearly 35% within 6 months. During the first phase, there was a statistically significant 62% reduction in the average number of HAIs (catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), central-line–acquired bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), and Clostridiodes difficile experienced in the preliminary units, comparing 12 months prior to 12 months after turning on the voice reminder. In the second phase, hand hygiene compliance increased to >65% in the following 6 months. During the second phase, all HAIs fell by a statistically significant 60%. This was determined by comparing the HAI rates 6 months prior to the voice reminder being turned on to 6 months after the voice reminder was turned on. Conclusions: The HAI data from both phases were aggregated, and there was a statistically significant reduction in MDROs by 90%, CAUTIs by 60%, and C. difficile by 64%. This resulted in annual savings >$1 million in direct costs of nonreimbursed HAIs.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

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