Hand Hygiene—Action Gets Results

Hand Hygiene—Action Gets Results Page E76 C. Paulus*, C. Clark Close Close preview | Purchase PDF (62 K) | Related articles | Related reference work articles AbstractAbstract Abstract ISSUE: To educate staff on revised CDC guidelines for hand hygiene and improve hand hygiene compliance. PROJECT: Develop an interactive, educational year-long campaign to increase staff awareness of the importance of hand hygiene. Each month, based on a seasonal theme, we took pictures of staff performing hand hygiene. These photos were then used to make posters with educational information. To increase interest in the program, we used various “props” and “slogans” to promote our message. The posters were then placed in departments throughout the facility. To monitor the success of the program hand hygiene compliance was measured by random observations of hand hygiene compliance. The annual campaign ended with a 2004 calendar featuring photos of our staff performing hand hygiene. This calendar will continue to promote the message of “clean hands” throughout the next year. RESULTS: Hand hygiene compliance increased by 11% over the baseline rate. Staff participated in the creativity of developing unique photos and slogans. LESSONS LEARNED: Staff compliance with hand hygiene increased by promoting awareness and involving staff from all departments to promote the message. Visible reminders posted in the facility helped to promote awareness of the importance of hand hygiene.