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09:02
A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
Use of electronic alerts to enhance hand hygiene compliance and decrease transmission of vancomycin-resistant
Arjun K Venkatesh1, Mary G Lankford, Denise M Rooney
1Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. avenkatesh@md.northwestern.edu
American Journal of Infection Control
|March 29, 2008
Summary
Electronic devices significantly improved hand hygiene compliance among health care workers (HCWs) from 36.3% to 70.1%. This technology offers effective surveillance and adherence to infection control guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare-associated infections
- Infection control technology
- Medical surveillance systems
Background:
- Historically, hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers (HCWs) has been suboptimal.
- Traditional surveillance methods for hand hygiene are often inadequate.
- This study investigated an electronic device to monitor and improve hand hygiene.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of an electronic device in measuring and enhancing hand hygiene compliance.
- To assess the impact of automatic alerts on hand hygiene adherence.
- To determine the secondary effect on the transmission of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).
Main Methods:
- A prospective, interventional study was conducted in an academic medical center's hematology unit.
- Phase I established baseline hand hygiene compliance.
- Phase II implemented automatic alerts from an electronic device to monitor compliance.
Main Results:
- Over 8,000 hand hygiene opportunities were monitored.
- Hand hygiene compliance increased from 36.3% at baseline to 70.1% with electronic monitoring and alerts.
- Audible alerts significantly improved compliance across day and night shifts and in varying HCW traffic areas.
Conclusions:
- Electronic monitoring devices are effective tools for improving hand hygiene compliance among HCWs.
- The technology enhances adherence to guidelines irrespective of shift or location.
- Further research is needed to validate the long-term impact of these innovative devices on infection control.
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