Research published in the American Journal of Infection Control detailed the challenges of upholding hand hygiene standards, and how to reconstruct programs to improve compliance.
Researchers reconstructed their hospital's infection control program by designating "stealth observers" to collect objective data for tracking improvements, as well as appointing hand hygiene coaches to provide feedback. Over 250 coaches were trained over the course of three months.
Here are the key details to know:
1. Compliance increased by 14 percent.
2. Coaches worked with staff to overcome hand hygiene barriers.
3. "Through a multidisciplinary approach and leadership support, we found that engaging all staff in hand hygiene made a difference in our program. Having a speak-up culture and real time education helped improve awareness, cooperation and compliance in hand hygiene."
