Implementation of a new multimodal program significantly improved hand hygiene practices among healthcare personnel at an academic medical center, according to research published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.
For their study, researchers analyzed the short- and long-term affects of a multimodal program that included a multimedia communications campaign, education, leadership engagement, environment modification, team performance measurement and feedback. Hand hygiene practices were observed over a three-year period at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Results showed overall compliance to hand hygiene practices increased two-fold after the program was implemented. In addition, this boost in compliance was sustained over a 20-month period. Specifically, between the first six months post-implementation until the last six months of the study period, hand hygiene compliance increased from 35 percent to 77 percent among nursing personnel, 38 percent to 62 percent among medical personnel and 27 percent to 75 percent among environmental services personnel.
For their study, researchers analyzed the short- and long-term affects of a multimodal program that included a multimedia communications campaign, education, leadership engagement, environment modification, team performance measurement and feedback. Hand hygiene practices were observed over a three-year period at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Results showed overall compliance to hand hygiene practices increased two-fold after the program was implemented. In addition, this boost in compliance was sustained over a 20-month period. Specifically, between the first six months post-implementation until the last six months of the study period, hand hygiene compliance increased from 35 percent to 77 percent among nursing personnel, 38 percent to 62 percent among medical personnel and 27 percent to 75 percent among environmental services personnel.
Related Articles on Hand Hygiene:
Antibacterial Soap Significantly Reduces Staph, Other Bacteria on Skin Surfaces
Use of Latex Gloves May Impede Hand Hygiene Compliance
Researchers Conclude Several Predictors Affecting Hand Hygiene Compliance