Community Health Center Caught Red-Handed Improving Hand Hygiene Compliance

Abstract

BACKGROUND Hand hygiene practices are ever evolving and studies show that poor hand hygiene practices have been linked to an increase in adverse outcomes. Despite the evidence, “adherence...to recommended hand-hygiene procedures has been poor, with mean baseline rates of 5%-81% (overall average 40%)” (CDC, 2002 P.22). “Compared to impatient care settings, outpatient settings have traditionally lack infrastructure and resources to support infection prevention and surveillance activities” (CDC, 2016). This study researched the impact of an educational program with a focus on employee safety using a multi-modal approach that incorporated visual aids to increase awareness and compliance with hand hygiene. METHODS This study used a quasi-experimental designed study with 83 outpatient clinic employee participants. The study ran over 90?days (2/6/2018-5/11/2018) with the incorporation of an independent variable of luminescent lotion that mimics germs and a dependent variable of hand washing. Results were measured both pre & post education by visual inspection of hands using a luminescent lotion and a black light. The data was evaluated using percentage, mean, standard deviation and t-test. Statistical significance determined using a p-value of RESULTS The pre-education group applied the luminescent lotion to their hands and wash hands as normal, 41 out of 83 (49%) subjects accomplished effective hand washing. Post educational training, the subjects re- applied the luminescent lotion and washed hands, resulting in 76 out of 83 (92%) performing effective hand washing. Using Statcrunch 2018, pre-education group mean was 0.48, the post-education group was 0.90. Using a t-test to analyze the groups, data shows a t-stat of -6.58 with a p-value of CONCLUSIONS This study found that emphasizing the risks of non- adherence for the employee with the incorporating visual aids increased the effectiveness of hand hygiene.