A lean Six Sigma team increases hand hygiene compliance and reduces hospital-acquired MRSA infections by 51%

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Infection Control
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Low hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers is a primary driver of hospital-acquired infections.
• Addressing noncompliance requires understanding multifaceted barriers within healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and address the root causes of low hand hygiene compliance.
• To implement sustainable solutions for improving hand hygiene practices in a hospital setting.

Main Methods:

• A Lean Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology was employed over 12 months.
• Solutions were developed and implemented across three key areas: Education, Culture, and Environment.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 51% reduction in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.
• Estimated 2.5 lives saved due to decreased MRSA infections.
• Generated cost savings of US$276,500 from reduced MRSA infections.

Conclusions:

• Multifaceted interventions addressing education, culture, and environment are effective in improving hand hygiene compliance.
• Lean Six Sigma provides a robust framework for tackling complex healthcare quality issues.
• Successful hand hygiene improvement initiatives can lead to significant patient outcome improvements and cost reductions.