Evaluating the effect of automated hand hygiene technology on compliance and C. difficile rates in a long-term acute care hospital

Abstract

Compliance with hand hygiene (HH) standards is a critical component to reducing the prevalence of Health Care Acquired Infections (HAIs). The use of HH technologies is increasing and studies examining the success of these technologies on HH compliance and HAIs are important to inform standards of care. COVID-19 has emphasized compliance HH standards. This study evaluated HH compliance and Clostridium difficile (C difficile) rates following implementation of an HH technology at a long-term acute care hospital. The HH technology required nursing and other staff with direct patient contact to wear a "badge" that measured alcohol concentration on a health care worker's hands or time washing hands at designated sinks upon exit/entry of patient rooms. No changes were made to environmental cleaning or antibiotic stewardship standards. Compliance and infection rates were compared 12 months pre-post implementation during 2017-2019. There was an increase in HH compliance (89.82%-97.10%, P< .001)) and a reduction in the incidence of C. difficile (9.541-3.720, P= .0032). The HH technology significantly and quickly increased HH compliance and reduced rates of C difficile. The technology provided ancillary benefits, including data tracing of all patient and staff contacts and cross-contamination events.