Abstract
to analyze hand hygiene determinants of informal caregivers in a hospital environment. qualitative study conducted with 55 caregivers at a university hospital in the Northeast of Brazil. A semi-structured instrument was used, adapted from Nola Pender's Health Promotion Model, from which the deductive categories were derived. the general behavior included hand hygiene before meals and after using the bathroom. Sensitivity to the requirements for hand hygiene was observed, but the barriers and self-efficacy consisted of the availability of soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers, the lack of knowledge on the importance of and forgetfulness of the practice. The reinforcement on the importance of the practice and being in a contaminated environment were influencers, and commitment, warnings, and training were indispensable. benefits related to protection from infections were seen as positive determinants for hand hygiene adherence. For non-adherence, factors such as lack of sanitizing supplies, ignorance towards the importance of the activity, and forgetfulness stood out.
Highlights
The term “healthcare-associated infections” (HAIs) refers to infections that can be acquired as a result of health care, regardless of hospitalization[1]
Caregivers and/ or family members are at risk of contracting HAIs due to repeated exposure to infectious agents combined with poor hand hygiene and other preventive measures related to disease transmission[4]
Informal caregivers have been considered as resources working in favor of the sick person, but not necessarily as the focus of attention, they do not have adequate knowledge about standard precautions, regarding hand hygiene (HH), isolation measures, and other items related to patient safety, such as the proper disposal of garbage and the restriction of visits by family members
Summary
The term “healthcare-associated infections” (HAIs) refers to infections that can be acquired as a result of health care, regardless of hospitalization[1]. The HAIs consist of adverse events present in health services, increasing the costs associated with patient care as well as prolonging hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality[2]. Caregivers and/ or family members are at risk of contracting HAIs due to repeated exposure to infectious agents combined with poor hand hygiene and other preventive measures related to disease transmission[4]. Informal caregivers have been considered as resources working in favor of the sick person, but not necessarily as the focus of attention, they do not have adequate knowledge about standard precautions, regarding hand hygiene (HH), isolation measures, and other items related to patient safety, such as the proper disposal of garbage and the restriction of visits by family members. It is essential to intervene in this reality as to share good practices aimed at patient safety, those related to HH
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
