Gina Calder, Bridgeport (Conn.) Hospital's vice president of ambulatory services, shared her insights on how ASCs can achieve hand-washing compliance.
Note: Responses have been edited for length and style.
Question: What are some ways ASCs can improve hand-washing practices?
Gina Calder: Embracing and reinforcing a safety culture is key. At Bridgeport Hospital, we practice 200 percent accountability, and team members crosscheck one another if they are not following expected hand-washing practices. Our medical director of infection prevention and control launches promotional and educational campaigns that reinforce the importance of hand washing.
Q: How can ASC leaders ensure long-term compliance with best hand-washing practices?
GC: Measuring and monitoring compliance are key. I serve on our multidisciplinary Infection Prevention and Control Committee, where we focus on hand-hygiene compliance, among other safety and quality indicators. We review our hand-hygiene performance data monthly and address any areas performing below target.
Q: Which hand-washing practices has your organization had success with? How can other facilities follow suit?
GC: We deploy 'secret shoppers' who conduct anonymous observations to collect and report hand-washing compliance. This has been a great practice that we engage colleagues from around our health system — as well as train volunteers including students — to conduct.
