From Best Evidence to Best Practice – Implementation of a Hand Washing Campaign in the Accident and Emergency Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

Objective: Hand washing compliance amongst emergency healthcare providers is complicated by limited supplies, patient volume, mal-positioning of hygiene materials, and lack of education on the importance of hand hygiene. Design and Methods: A survey was distributed to A&E healthcare staff to determine baseline knowledge about the importance of hand hygiene. Participants were asked to identify departmental obstacles to the practice of proper hand hygiene. Using World Health Organization teaching materials, a hand hygiene clinical observation tool was implemented to determine compliance prior to delivery of tailored education. Education was done utilizing posters, flyers, and powerpoint presentation. Hand sanitizer stations were installed to improve compliance. Finally, the clinical observation tool was implemented following the education initiative to determine impact on provider compliance. A post-implementation survey was distributed to determine if increased education and supplies impacted baseline knowledge and compliance. Results: Only 88% of surveyed providers recognized that the A&E has a current hand hygiene policy with 64% noting GPHC does not stress hand hygiene enough. Providers reported they utilize hand hygiene 75% yet all participants acknowledged that proper hand washing greatly reduces the spread of infection. 53% of providers surveyed felt comfortable encouraging their peers to wash their hands. Conclusions: Initial provider hand hygiene within the A&E was abysmal. Though identified as a predominant barrier, supplies were readily available throughout the observation window. Educational materials placed throughout the department improved both the perception and compliance of hand hygiene. The importance of provider hand hygiene must be continually stressed in order to maintain optimal compliance.

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Has the COVID 19 Virus Changed Adherence to Hand Washing among Healthcare Workers?

Behavioral Sciences ◽

10.3390/bs11040053 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 53

Author(s):

Rosalia Ragusa ◽

Marina Marranzano ◽

Alessandro Lombardo ◽

Rosalba Quattrocchi ◽

Maria Alessandra Bellia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hand Hygiene ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Hand Washing ◽

World Health ◽

Patient Contact ◽

Who Guidelines ◽

Descriptive Data ◽

Different Types ◽

Health Organization ◽

Hospital Wards

The aim of the study was to assess adherence to hand washing by healthcare workers (HCWs) and its variations over time in hospital wards. We wanted to check whether the pandemic had changed the behavior of HCWs. The study was conducted between 1 January 2015, and 31 December 2020. The HCWs were observed to assess their compliance with the Five Moments for Hand Hygiene. We described the percentage of adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines stratified per year, per specialty areas, per different types of HCWs. We also observed the use of gloves. Descriptive data were reported as frequencies and percentages. We observed 13,494 hand hygiene opportunities. The majority of observations concerned nurses who were confirmed as the category most frequently involved with patients. Hospital’s global adherence to WHO guidelines did not change in the last six years. During the pandemic, the rate of adherence to the procedure increased significantly only in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In 2020, the use of gloves increased in pre-patient contact. The hand-washing permanent monitoring confirmed that it is very difficult to obtain the respect of correct hand hygiene in all opportunities, despite the ongoing pandemic and the fear of contagion.

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Hand hygiene compliance among rural healthcare workers of Nepal

Journal of Patan Academy of Health Sciences ◽

10.3126/jpahs.v5i1.24050 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 90-95

Author(s):

Ajay Kumar Rajbhandari ◽

Reshu Agrawal Sagtani ◽

Kedar Prasad Baral

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Hand Hygiene ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Compliance Rate ◽

Hand Washing ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Hygiene Compliance ◽

Health Organization ◽

Healthcare Associated

Introductions: Transmission of healthcare associated infections through contaminated hands of healthcare workers are common. This study was designed to explore the existing compliance of hand hygiene among the healthcare workers workings in different level of health care centers of Makwanpur district of Nepal. Methods: This was a cross sectional observational study conducted in Makwanpur district, Nepal, during 2015. Healthcare workers from nine healthcare centers were selected randomly for the study. Standard observation checklists and World Health Organization guidelines on hand hygiene were used to assess the compliance of hand hygiene during patient care. Results: There were 74 participants. Overall compliance for hand washing was 24.25% (range 19.63 to 45.56). Complete steps of hand washing were performed by 38.3% of health care workers. The factors associated for noncompliance were lack of time (29.3%), example set by seniors (20%), absence or inadequate institution protocol (20%) and unfavourable health care setting (> 20%). Conclusions: Overall hand washing compliance rate amongst the healthcare workers in rural health facilities of Nepal were low (24.25%).

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Effectiveness of Workshop on Hand Washing Techniques among Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Quasi Experimental Study

Edelweiss Psychiatry Open Access ◽

10.33805/2573.3877.147 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 10-14

Author(s):

Noor Asikime Binti Mohamad ◽

Kasmini Che Muda ◽

Siti Nor Asiah Ab Khadir ◽

Umiaziente Suchi ◽

Regidor III Dioso

Keyword(s):

Nursing Students ◽

Hand Hygiene ◽

Simple Random Sampling ◽

Hand Washing ◽

World Health ◽

Undergraduate Nursing Students ◽

Undergraduate Nursing ◽

Education Workshop ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Health Organization

Background: Compliance with the performance of correct and effective hand hygiene has not been adequate among undergraduate nursing students, in clinical settings. Aim: That is why this study evaluated if a hand washing workshop can effectively enhance the performance of hand washing among undergraduate nursing students. Method: A total of 15 participants were enrolled from a group of undergraduate nursing students; selected using simple random sampling. These participants primarily did a workshop on the 12-step of hand washing procedure based on the guidelines adapted from the World Health Organization. Their hand washing performance was evaluated before (pre-test) and after (posttest) the workshop using an observation checklist. Results: There was a significant effectiveness of work shop on hand washing techniques (p0.0046). Conclusion: Therefore, a hand washing workshop was an effective strategy in enhancing the skills of nursing students in effectively performing hand hygiene. A periodic re-education workshop or program regarding hand hygiene was recommended for health care personnel across all levels in order to maintain the quality of hand hygiene performance.

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Electronic Hand Hygiene Quality and Duration Monitoring in Pre-School Children: A Feasibility Study

International Quarterly of Community Health Education ◽

10.1177/0272684x211033448 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 0272684X2110334

Author(s):

Mohd Dzulkhairi Mohd Rani ◽

Nurul Azmawati Mohamed ◽

Tengku Zetty Maztura Tengku Jamaluddin ◽

Zarini Ismail ◽

Shalinawati Ramli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Data Collection ◽

Hand Hygiene ◽

Electronic Device ◽

Hand Washing ◽

World Health ◽

Who Guidelines ◽

Hygiene Practices ◽

Hand Wash ◽

The World ◽

Health Organization

Background Hand hygiene is regarded as the most important measure to prevent spread of infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a prototype application in an electronic device in educating, stimulating and monitoring hand hygiene quality in young children. Method A pre-school was provided with an interactive hand hygiene application for two months. The device features an online administrator dashboard for data collection and for monitoring the children’s hand washing steps and duration. A good hand washing is defined as hand washing which comprise all of the steps outlined in the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Results The prototype managed to capture 6882 hand wash performed with an average of 20.85 seconds per hand wash. Washing hands palm to palm was the most frequent (79.9%) step performed, whereas scrubbing fingernails and wrists were the least (56%) steps performed. Conclusions The device is a good prototype to educate, stimulate and monitor good hand hygiene practices. However, other measures should be undertaken to ensure sustainability of the practices.

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Simplifying the World Health Organization (WHO) Protocol for Hand Hygiene: Three Steps and 15 Seconds

Case Medical Research ◽

10.31525/ct1-nct04102488 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Keyword(s):

Hand Hygiene ◽

World Health Organization ◽

World Health ◽

The World ◽

Health Organization

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Coronavirus Pandemic: Coping with the Psychological Outcomes, Mental Changes, and the “New Normal” During and After COVID-19

10.36811/ojda.2020.110005 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 07-19

Author(s):

Hiba Takieddine ◽

Samaa AL Tabbah

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Providers ◽

Well Being ◽

World Health ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Public Health Response ◽

New Normal ◽

The World ◽

Health Organization ◽

The Impact

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease that has rapidly swept across the world, inducing a considerable degree of fear, worry and concern in the population at large and among certain groups in particular, such as older adults, healthcare providers and people with underlying health conditions. Authorities around the world tried to prevent the virus spread by imposing social distancing measures, quarantining citizens and isolating infected persons. Apart from its physical impact, COVID-19 pandemic has brought numerous changes to people’s lives. It changed daily routines, caused worldwide economic crisis, increased unemployment, and placed people under emotional and financial pressures. It affected people psychologically and mentally especially in terms of emotions and cognition. During the acute crisis, everyone to varying degrees experienced fear of infection, somatic concerns, worries about the pandemic’s consequences, loneliness, depression, stress, as well as increased alcohol and drug use. As part of its public health response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has worked with partners to develop a set of new guidelines and messages that can be used to prevent, manage, and support mental and psychological well-being in different vulnerable target groups during the outbreak. Whether people like it or not, the psychological sequela of this pandemic will emerge and persist for months and years to come leading to long-term consequences. New lifestyles and “New Normals” will surely emerge. The main purpose of this review is to summarize the impact of coronavirus pandemic on the psychological and mental health of people around the world especially vulnerable groups. It also presents the relevant intervention actions and recommendations to cope efficiently and effectively with the psychological short-term and long-term outcomes, mental changes, and the “New Normal” during and after COVID-19. Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus, Psychological; Mental; New Normal

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Smart Phone Apps for Smoking Cessation - A Qualitative Study among Healthcare Providers in Chennai

Journal of Evidence Based Medicine and Healthcare ◽

10.18410/jebmh/2021/308 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (21) ◽

pp. 1630-1635

Author(s):

Sree T. Sucharitha ◽

Pradeep Rangasamy ◽

Vaishikaa R ◽

Balaji S.M ◽

Bindu T ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Smoking Cessation ◽

Digital Literacy ◽

Health Care Services ◽

Tobacco Cessation ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Smart Phone ◽

General Medicine ◽

World Health ◽

Brief Assessment ◽

Health Organization

BACKGROUND Majority of smokers are aware of health consequences due to smoking but reported inability to quit smoking in multiple studies. Reasons attributed to continued smoking include multiple causes like addiction, habit and stress, as well as face-valid causes such as disease, personality problems, weakness of character, etc. Tobacco cessation services promoted by World Health Organization (WHO) are typically to be initiated by the service provider and include brief opportunistic assessment for smoking cessation widely known as 5A’ and 5R’s for brief assessment. Health interventions are identified by WHO as an effective way to enhance the promotion of tobacco cessation as only three percent of smokers manage to quit without help of intervention. This study explored the awareness of smart phone apps for smoking cessation among private healthcare providers in Chennai. METHODS A qualitative, explorative study through one-on-one, personal interviews among 36 randomly approached and consenting healthcare providers primarily providing tobacco related health care services including dentists, psychiatrists, ear – nose - throat surgeons, general medicine, respiratory medicine, surgeons and obstetricians at six private teaching medical institutes was conducted from July 2020 to October 2020 in Chennai. RESULTS The results showed that majority of the healthcare providers lack awareness of smart phone-based apps for smoking cessation. However, a very small minority3 who were aware were limited by social determinants of health of the clients such as perceived poor digital literacy, unaffordability of internet packages to recommend them. CONCLUSIONS The healthcare providers from various fields lacked the awareness of smart phone apps aiding with smoking cessation with the exception of a minor few3 who acknowledged their existence but were engaged very minimally with these modalities. KEYWORDS Healthcare Providers’ Awareness, Smart Phone Based-Apps, Smoking Cessation Apps, Tobacco Clients, Personal Interviews

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Critical appraisal of Drug Promotional Literatures (DPLs) as per World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines

International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology ◽

10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20180092 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 238

Author(s):

Pratit P. Vyas ◽

Amol L. Bhave

Keyword(s):

Active Ingredient ◽

Journal Article ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

World Health ◽

Pharmaceutical Companies ◽

Who Guidelines ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Therapeutic Uses ◽

Safety Parameters ◽

Health Organization

Background: The study was aimed to critically analyse Drug Promotional Literatures (DPLs) using WHO guidelines. This would help to create awareness about DPLs amongst healthcare providers thus encouraging the improvement of healthcare system.Methods: This cross sectional observational study was carried out at Department of Pharmacology, Medical College Baroda. DPLs were collected & critically analysed for consistency, accuracy, validity of the provided information as per WHO guidelines.Results: Out of total 616 DPLs collected, 371 satisfied the inclusion criteria. None of the DPL was fulfilling all criteria according to WHO guidelines. Most of DPLs were having information regarding; generic name / INN (98.39%), brand name (100%), amount of active ingredient per dosage (94.07%), approved therapeutic uses (84.91%), dosage form (91.37%) and name & address of manufacturers (91.91%). Of all the DPLs, information provided for safety parameters like; name of active ingredient known to cause problem (11.59%), dosage regimen (32.88%), side effects & drug reaction (14.56%), major drug interactions (14.02%) and precautions, contraindications and warning (14.29%) seemed to be grossly neglected. Total of 431 claims were evaluated, of which the most common type of claim was efficacy (55.45%). Relevant references to claims were present in (48.74%) DPLs. Total 203 references were evaluated from 371 DPLs, of which maximum reference were from journal article (74.38%).Conclusions: From this study, it was concluded that pharmaceutical companies didn’t follow the WHO guidelines for ethical drug promotion, thus failing to fulfil the rational promotion of drugs. Given the present findings physicians should be cautious about drawing conclusions regarding medicine based on DPLs provided by pharmaceutical companies.

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Pathways to clean hands: highlights of successful hand hygiene implementation strategies in Europe

Eurosurveillance ◽

10.2807/ese.15.18.19560-en ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 15 (18) ◽

Author(s):

A P Magiorakos ◽

E Leens ◽

V Drouvot ◽

L May-Michelangeli ◽

C Reichardt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hand Hygiene ◽

Implementation Strategies ◽

World Health ◽

Surveillance Systems ◽

The European Union ◽

Hygiene Practices ◽

Governmental Support ◽

Hygiene Compliance ◽

Health Organization ◽

Healthcare Associated

Hand hygiene is the most effective way to stop the spread of microorganisms and to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAI). The World Health Organization launched the First Global Patient Safety Challenge - Clean Care is Safer Care - in 2005 with the goal to prevent HAI globally. This year, on 5 May, the WHO’s initiative SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands, which focuses on increasing awareness of and improving compliance with hand hygiene practices, celebrated its second global day. In this article, four Member States of the European Union describe strategies that were implemented as part of their national hand hygiene campaigns and were found to be noteworthy. The strategies were: governmental support, the use of indicators for hand hygiene benchmarking, developing national surveillance systems for auditing alcohol-based hand rub consumption, ensuring seamless coordination of processes between health regions in countries with regionalised healthcare systems, implementing the WHO's My Five Moments for Hand Hygiene, and auditing of hand hygiene compliance.

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