Soap and lotion trial: Healthcare workers narrow the choices for hand hygiene

ISSUE: Healthcare worker (HCW) acceptance of hand-hygiene (HH) products is important when selecting products for hospital use. Standard methods for HCW input in product evaluations have not been published. PROJECT: The purpose of this project was to develop a process for a multihospital system to evaluate soaps and lotions utilizing HCW input. The evaluations and outcome of contract negotiations will be used to select HH products for 10 of the systemʹs hospitals. RESULTS: Materials management (MM) coordinated a product fair where hospital and system infection control professionals (ICPs) evaluated 5 HH product lines using a 15-question, five-point Likert-scale tool. The three highest scoring product lines were selected for hospital trial. An advisory panel of MM and ICPs was established to facilitate communication, describe roles, and address issues. The hospital ICPs identified trial areas, communicated with key stakeholders, facilitated product delivery, distributed flyers, ensured trial product use, and collected tools. The system ICPs coordinated the plan, provided tools, and entered and analyzed data. The vendors provided and distributed product and answered questions. The HCWs used the products and completed evaluation tools. The plan included two 9-week trial phases, one in summer and one in winter. The current product under contract for use was evaluated during week 1 and used between trial products for 1 week. Trial products were used for 2 weeks. The three specific products, chosen by the vendors, were trialed in 20 volunteer areas in seven hospitals, allowing 943 HCWs the opportunity to participate. HCW opinion was solicited for each product using an electronically scanned 22-question, five-point Likert-scale tool. Indicators included fragrance, consistency, skin irritation and softness, lathering, rinsing, residue, stickiness, greasiness, ease of glove application after use, and product acceptability. HCW preference was identified by scores assigned to the products based on responses to the questions. LESSONS LEARNED: The development and implementation of a multihospital product evaluation process required a partnership and communication among MM, trial areas, key stakeholders, hospital and system ICPs, and vendors. Outlining the plan and expectations of all involved prevented confusion and allowed for a smooth evaluation. This process allowed HCWs the opportunity to offer input into the HH product selection.