Objective assessment of hand hygiene: When we see it, we believe it!

Abstract

Background: Hand hygiene is the fundamental and leading measure to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance and to reduce hospital-acquired infections. Several strategies are recommended to increase the compliance for hand hygiene practice; however, health-care worker (HCW) compliance with optimal practices remains low in most settings. Aim: This study aims to assess the efficacy of hand hygiene practice in HCWs at our hospital, and to demonstrate objective result of their practices, followed by a questionnaire-based study to assess their attitude towards hand hygiene, and effect of workshop on their hand hygiene practice pattern. Materials and Methods: Participants were asked to disinfect their hands using a hand rub solution mixed with the fluorescent dye. Photos were taken under an ultraviolet lamp. A self-designed questionnaire was given to all the participants. Results: A total of 94 HCWs participated in the hand hygiene workshop. Only 11.11% nurses (6/54) and 17.5% doctors (7/40) were able to use disinfectant solution with complete coverage of hand areas. Incomplete coverage of dorsum of hand was more common than that of palms. About 84.21% doctors (32/38) and 80% nurses (36/45) wanted to participate in such hand hygiene workshop in future with majority of them opting for frequent workshop. All the participants admitted that such workshop changed their attitude towards their practice pattern. Conclusion: It is important to carry out hand hygiene training programmes regularly to achieve increased compliance with hand hygiene practices. This study also emphasises that an objective technique of demonstration has a greater effect in changing professional's attitude towards hand hygiene.