Hand Hygiene Practices and Microbial Investigation of Hand Contact Swab among Physiotherapists in an Ebola Endemic Region: Implications for Public Health

Background. Hand hygiene practices (HHP), as a critical component of infection prevention/control, were investigated among physiotherapists in an Ebola endemic region. Method. A standardized instrument was administered to 44 randomly selected physiotherapists (23 males and 21 females), from three tertiary hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria. Fifteen participants (aged 22–59 years) participated in focus group discussions (FGDs) and comprised 19 participants in a subsequent laboratory study. After treatment, the palms/fingers of physiotherapists were swabbed and cultured, then incubated aerobically overnight at 37°C, and examined for microbial growths. An antibiogram of the bacterial isolates was obtained. Results. The majority (34/77.3%) of physiotherapists were aware of the HHP protocol, yet only 15/44.1% rated self-compliance at 71–100%. FGDs identified forgetfulness/inadequate HHP materials/infrastructure as the major barriers to HHP. Staphylococcus aureus were the most prevalent organisms, prior to (8/53.33%) and after (4/26.67%) HPP, while Pseudomonas spp. were acquired thereafter. E. coli were the most antibiotic resistant microbes but were completely removed after HHP. Ciprofloxacin and streptomycin were the most effective antibiotics. Conclusion. Poor implementation of HPP was observed due to inadequate materials/infrastructure/poor behavioral orientation. Possibly, some HPP materials were contaminated; hence, new microbes were acquired. Since HPP removed the most antibiotic resistant microbes, it might be more effective in infection control than antibiotic medication.

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Landlords’ and Compound Managers’ Role in Improving and Sustaining Shared Latrines in Three Dhaka City Slums

Water ◽

10.3390/w12072073 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (7) ◽

pp. 2073

Author(s):

Farzana Yeasmin ◽

Mahbubur Rahman ◽

Stephen P Luby ◽

Jyoti Bhushan Das ◽

Farzana Begum ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Leadership Role ◽

Organizational Changes ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Hygiene Practices ◽

Sanitation And Hygiene ◽

Key Informant ◽

Improved Sanitation ◽

Depth Interviews

(1) Background: Residents of Dhaka slums frequently lack clean and functional shared latrines. We explored the role of landlords and compound managers in promoting latrine cleanliness in the intervention arm of a randomized trial; (2) Methods: We conducted focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and in-depth interviews with community health promoters, landlords, and compound managers to better understand the decision-making process, barriers to contributing to sanitation, and cleanliness of shared latrines. (3) Results: Landlords’ and compound managers’ engagement in promoting clean and functional latrines depended, in part, on their own proximity to the properties they own and manage. The compound managers played a leadership role through engagement with health promoters, oversight of implementation of a cleaning schedule, and support for installation and maintenance of sanitation hardware, resulting in improved sanitation practices; (4) Conclusions: Interventions in slums in Bangladesh should consider engaging landlords and compound managers in efforts to bring about structural and organizational changes to support the adoption of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices.

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Qualitative findings from focus group discussions on hand hygiene compliance among health care workers in Vietnam

American Journal of Infection Control ◽

10.1016/j.ajic.2015.05.039 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 43 (10) ◽

pp. 1086-1091 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Sharon Salmon ◽

Mary-Louise McLaws

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Focus Group ◽

Hand Hygiene ◽

Health Care Workers ◽

Hand Hygiene Compliance ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Care Workers ◽

Hygiene Compliance

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Organizational culture and its implications on infection prevention and control

Journal of Pathology of Nepal ◽

10.3126/jpn.v5i10.15644 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 5 (10) ◽

pp. 865-868

Author(s):

R Baral

Keyword(s):

Organizational Culture ◽

Hand Hygiene ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Hospital Acquired Infection ◽

Hygiene Practices ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Hospital Acquired ◽

And Control

The hospital acquired infections are becoming common in our hospitals lately. These infections are difficult to treat and maybe life threatening. Hospital acquired infection can be minimized or eradicated by good Infection Prevention and Control guidelines and good hand hygiene practices. The success of Infection Prevention and Control guidelines program in any hospital is largely impacted by the organizational culture. In any health care setting the management is challenged by the organizational culture to change of any kind. Where implementation of Infection Prevention and Control guidelines program is easily implemented in some hospitals it is very difficult in others. Moreover, hand hygiene is not only biomedical practice but also has more behavioral factors.

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Relevance of a French National Database Dedicated to Infection Prevention and Control (NosoBase®): A Three-Step Quality Evaluation of a Specialized Bibliographic Database

Evidence Based Library and Information Practice ◽

10.18438/eblip29448 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 33-44

Author(s):

Kae Ting Trouilloud ◽

Nathalie Sanlaville ◽

Sandrine Yvars ◽

Anne Savey

Keyword(s):

Hand Hygiene ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

National Database ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Bibliographic Databases ◽

Bibliographic Database ◽

Hygiene Practices ◽

And Control

Abstract Objective – NosoBase® is a collection of documentation centres with a national bibliographic database dedicated to infection prevention and control (IPC), with over 20 years of experience in France. As a quality assurance activity, this study was conducted in 2017 with a three-step approach to evaluate the bibliographic database regarding (1) the availability and coverage of citations; (2) the scope and relevance of content; and (3) the quality of the documentation centre services. Methods – The three-step quality approach involved (1) evaluating the availability and coverage of citations in NosoBase® by searching for the bibliographic citations of three systematic reviews on hand hygiene practices, published recently in three different peer-reviewed international journals; (2) evaluating the scope and relevance of content in NosoBase® by searching for all documents from 2015 indexed in NosoBase® under hand hygiene related keywords, and analyzing according to publication language, document type (e.g., legislation, research, or guidelines), and target audience; and 3) evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of the documentation centre services, with interviews involving the librarians. Results – NosoBase® contained 70.8%-80.9% of references directly concerning hand hygiene cited by the three systematic reviews. Of the 200 articles indexed in NosoBase® under hand hygiene related keywords in 2015, 22.5% were French language based, with a significant representation of French non-indexed literature. The analysis of the documentation centre services highlighted future opportunities for growth, building on the strengths of experience and collaborations, to improve marketing and usability, targeting francophone IPC professionals. Conclusion – Specialized bibliographic databases may be useful and time efficient for the retrieval of relevant specialized content. NosoBase® has significant relevance to French and francophone healthcare professionals in its representation of French documentation and healthcare literature not otherwise indexed internationally. NosoBase® needs to highlight its resources and adapt its services to allow easier access to its content.

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Infection Prevention Promotion Program Based on the PRECEDE Model: Improving Hand Hygiene Behaviors among Healthcare Personnel

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1086/663707 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 33 (2) ◽

pp. 144-151 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Hanan Aboumatar ◽

Polly Ristaino ◽

Richard O. Davis ◽

Carol B. Thompson ◽

Lisa Maragakis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hand Hygiene ◽

Program Implementation ◽

Hand Hygiene Compliance ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Healthcare Personnel ◽

Promotion Program ◽

Hygiene Practices ◽

Hygiene Compliance

Background.Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) result in significant morbidity and mortality. Hand hygiene remains a cornerstone intervention for preventing HAIs. Unfortunately, adherence to hand hygiene guidelines among healthcare personnel is poor.Objective.To assess short- and long-term effects of an infection prevention promotion program on healthcare personnel hand hygiene behaviors.Design.Time series design.SettingOur study was conducted at a tertiary care academic center.Participants.Hospital healthcare personnel.Methods.We developed a multimodal program that included a multimedia communications campaign, education, leadership engagement, environment modification, team performance measurement, and feedback. Healthcare personnel hand hygiene practices were measured via direct observations over a 3-year period by “undercover” observers.Results.Overall hand hygiene compliance increased by 2-fold after full program implementation (P<.001), and this increase was sustained over a 20-month follow-up period (P< .001). The odds for compliance with hand hygiene increased by 3.8-fold in the 6 months after full program implementation (95% confidence interval, 3.53–4.23; P< .001), and this increase was sustained. There was even a modest increase at 20 months of follow up. Hand hygiene compliance increased among all disciplines and hospital units. Hand hygiene compliance increased from 35% in the first 6 months after program initiation to 77% in the last 6 months of the study period among nursing providers (P<.001), from 38% to 62% among medical providers (P<.001), and from 27% to 75% among environmental services staff (P<.001).Conclusions.Implementation of the infection prevention promotion program was associated with a significant and sustained increase in hand hygiene practices among healthcare personnel of various disciplines.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(2):144-151

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Exploring determinants of hand hygiene compliance in LTCFs: a qualitative study using Flottorps’ integrated checklist of determinants of practice

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control ◽

10.1186/s13756-021-00882-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Dominique Lescure ◽

Anja Haenen ◽

Sabine de Greeff ◽

Andreas Voss ◽

Anita Huis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Hand Hygiene ◽

Hand Hygiene Compliance ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Care Needs ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Term Care ◽

Effect Change ◽

Hygiene Compliance ◽

Determinants Of Practice

Abstract Background Elderly residents in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are vulnerable to healthcare-associated infections. Although hand hygiene is a leading measure for preventing infection, the compliance of healthcare workers is low. The aim of this study is to identify determinants that influence hand hygiene compliance of nursing staff in LTCFs. This information on determinants can eventually be used to develop a tailored implementation strategy for LTCFs. Methods This is an explorative, descriptive study using qualitative methods. We performed semi-structured focus group discussions with 31 nurses and nurse assistants from five Dutch LTCFs. Our focus group discussions continued until no new information could be identified from the data. We used Flottorps’ comprehensive checklist for identifying determinants of practice (the TICD checklist) to guide data collection and analysis. The audiotapes were transcribed verbatim and two authors independently analysed the transcripts with Atlas.ti software. Results LTCFs for the elderly have setting specific determinants that are decisive in explaining hand hygiene compliance. Most of these determinants are related to the residents with whom nurses build close relationships and for whom they want to create a homelike atmosphere. Residents can complicate the provision of care with unpredictable behaviour, being unwilling to receive care or use shared facilities. Our study also discovered setting-transcending determinants related to knowledge, professional interactions, guidelines, and incentives/resources. Conclusions Nurses in LTCFs are constantly pursuing a balance between working hygienically, responding adequately to acute care needs, and maintaining a homelike environment for their residents. As a result, setting-specific determinants affect hand hygiene compliance, as do the known determinants that are important in other care settings. To improve compliance in LTCFs, interventions should be selected on a theoretical base while linking these determinants to change interventions. Trial registration Registration number 50-53000-98-113, Compliance With Hand Hygiene in Nursing Homes: Go for a Sustainable Effect (CHANGE) on ClinicalTrials.gov. Date of registration 28-6-2016.

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Finger licking good? An observational study of hand hygiene practices of fast food restaurant employees and consumers

British Food Journal ◽

10.1108/bfj-07-2018-0420 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 121 (3) ◽

pp. 697-710 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jan Mei Soon

Keyword(s):

Hand Hygiene ◽

Fast Food ◽

Compliance Rate ◽

Food Handlers ◽

Content Type ◽

North West ◽

Hygiene Practices ◽

Observational Tool ◽

Contact Surfaces ◽

Hand Contact

Purpose Appropriate hand hygiene technique is a simple and effective method to reduce cross contamination and transmission of foodborne pathogens. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the frequency of hand hygiene activities among food handlers and consumers in fast food restaurants (FFRs). Design/methodology/approach A total of 25 FFRs and cafes were visited between May and August 2017 in North West England. A hand hygiene observational tool was adapted and modified from previous studies. The observational tool was designed to record 30 sequential hand activities of consumers and employees. Each transaction consisted of an observed action (e.g. touch with bare hands), object (e.g. exposed ready-to-eat (RTE) foods) and observed hand hygiene practice (e.g. handwashing or cleaning with wipes or sanitisers). Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) swabs of hand-contact surfaces of restaurants’ restrooms were carried out. Findings Findings revealed that both food handlers and consumers have low-hand hygiene compliance rate in FFRs. Consumers were more likely to clean their hands with napkins after handling exposed RTE food. Food handlers were observed to change into new gloves without washing their hands before handling exposed RTE food. The mean results for all hand-contact surfaces in restrooms were higher than 30 Relative Light Units indicating unhygienic surfaces. Male restroom exit doors’ ATP levels were significantly higher than females. Originality/value This study revealed the lack of hand hygiene practices among food handlers and consumers at FFRs and cafes. Restroom hand-contact surfaces revealed high ATP level indicating unhygienic surfaces. This can potentially re-contaminate washed hands upon touching unhygienic surface (e.g. exit door panel/handle) when leaving the restroom.

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A Qualitative Study of Barriers to Personal Protective Equipment Use among Laundry Workers in Government Hospitals, Hawassa, Ethiopia

Journal of Environmental and Public Health ◽

10.1155/2020/5146786 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Aiggan Tamene ◽

Abel Afework ◽

Lewam Mebratu

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Work Environment ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Individual Level ◽

Key Informant ◽

Government Hospitals

Background. The need to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases makes the use of personal protective equipment and safety medical devices compulsory among hospital laundry staff. The practice, however, remains to be low among hospital laundry staff members. Globally, not many studies seem to have been carried out to sufficiently tell us about the barriers to personal protective equipment use among hospital laundry workers. Related studies in Ethiopia are even fewer. This study assessed the barriers to personal protective equipment use among laundry staff of government hospitals in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia, 2019. Methods. Two qualitative data-gathering methods—focus group discussions and key informant interviews—were used to collect data for this study. Eight focus group discussions were conducted with hospital laundry workers. Similarly, six key informant interviews were held with Infection Prevention and Patient Safety Officers. Thematic analysis was performed using Open Code 4.02. Result. Organizational- and individual-level barriers such as unavailability of essential personal protective equipment, a disharmonious work environment, low perception of susceptibility, and belief about personal protective equipment interference with work performance were identified as the major barriers to personal protective equipment use in the present study. Conclusion. Organizational- and individual-level barriers have been identified as causes for the low level of personal protective equipment use among hospital laundry workers. Therefore, improving institutional supplies in quantity and quality may have a positive implication for the improvement of infection prevention practices in the study area. Also, designing sustainable strategies and raising laundry workers’ awareness of a safe work environment may lead to the improvement of infection prevention practices.

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