Abstract :
ISSUE: Improved hand hygiene products, guidelines and patient safety have renewed emphasis on this work practice. Are we meeting the needs of our HCWʹs?
PROJECT: A survey was developed to address 5 key factors: product, product location, usage, observations and recommendations from the HCW. The 1st goal was to obtain pertinent data for our members as a tool for change. The 2nd goal was to have the HCW input into where changes are needed. Members were provided a survey form, outline of the goals and suggested methods to conduct the survey.
RESULTS: Results are based on 950 survey responses. To give an overall representation of the survey certain key data points were chosen. Asked if the quality of products effected the decision to practice hand hygiene 61% disagreed along with 57% that did not feel location of hand hygiene controls played a role. An overwhelming 83% rated the compliance in their work areas as >50%. “Time” a previously identified barrier to adherence was noted by 31% while 14% identified “laziness” as a reason for failure to comply. The survey reflected approx. 85-90% has knowledge of the products used but 45% recommended education on the importance of hand hygiene. Additional resources included increased availability of hand sanitizer (49%). A campaign to encourage patient participation was addressed in 2 different questions. Only 27% recommended a campaign while 45% disagreed with patient participation. HCWʹs viewed this approach as offensive and rude. The option to increase monitoring was agreed upon by 24% while 60% did not want to participate in the actual monitoring.
LESSONS LEARNED: 1.The survey reflected that education on the essentials of hand hygiene is a recognized need. 2. Facilities need to maintain products and give the option of placement to HCWʹs. 3. HCWʹs do not want to be responsible for the hand hygiene auditing, but are observant. “Perceived barriers to hand hygiene behaviors are linked not only to the institution, but also to health care workers colleagues,” according to the CDC Guideline on Hand Hygiene (Oct. 2002). We should consider a campaign among the HCWʹs. 4. Active participation of patients in a campaign is not acceptable. Professionals need to learn how to manage current obstacles to compliance versus creating more!
While the overall results reflect previously identified poor compliance factors it is advantageous to identify and personalize these issues within your own facility, with data from your facility.
