Researchers evaluated the cost effectiveness of Australia's National Hand Hygiene Initiative, which poured funds into promoting the World Health Organization's Five Moments for Hand-Hygiene approach, in a recent study.
The study was based out of Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, and led by Nicolas Graves, PhD, a professor in QUT's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation.
Dr. Graves analyzed the National Hand Hygiene Initiative in 50 Australian hospitals across all states and territories from 2009 to 2012. Although effective — the program protected many patients from infections and saved at least 96 years of life each year — it cost approximately $2.9 million annually.
"These findings suggest the National Hand Hygiene Initiative is effective but expensive," said Dr. Graves. "Policy makers could take note of the variability between states and tailor hand hygiene campaigns to the local conditions."
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