Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
09:02
A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
Utilizing improvement science methods to improve physician compliance with proper hand hygiene
Christine M White1, Angela M Statile, Patrick H Conway
1Division of Hospital Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA. christine.white@cchmc.org
Pediatrics
|March 7, 2012
Summary
Physician hand hygiene compliance improved to over 95% using targeted interventions and a hand-washing champion. This strategy is key to reducing healthcare-associated infections.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Infection Control
- Medical Education
Background:
- Hospitals face challenges in reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
- Physician hand hygiene compliance was notably low (68%) in pediatric units.
- The Joint Commission mandated improved hand hygiene compliance in 2009.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and assess strategies for improving physician hand hygiene compliance.
- To achieve and sustain hand hygiene compliance rates above 95% in inpatient pediatric teams.
Main Methods:
- Utilized plan-do-study-act cycles for iterative improvement.
- Implemented an educational module and post-test for residents.
- Established a hand-washing champion for real-time failure mitigation and accountability.
- Ensured organizational support for adequate hand hygiene supplies.
- Employed covert bedside observers for daily compliance monitoring.
Main Results:
- Physician hand hygiene compliance increased to over 95% within six months.
- Sustained high compliance rates for eleven months.
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of a dedicated hand-washing champion.
Conclusions:
- A hand-washing champion is crucial for sustaining improved hand hygiene compliance.
- Enhancing physician hand hygiene is achievable and vital for HAI reduction.
- Reliability science and targeted interventions can significantly improve healthcare practices.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hand hygiene
Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
Hand washing...
01:15Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps
To wash hands properly, follow these steps:
01:18Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of Equipment
Handwashing is hand hygiene with plain or antimicrobial soap and water to physically remove dirt, organic material, and microorganisms. However, it may not kill all microorganisms. The handwashing procedure requires a hand wash basin, liquid soap, paper towels, a domestic waste bin, and disposable nail cleaner as optional equipment.
Hand wash basins in clinical areas should have faucets that can be turned on and off without using the hands; that is, they should be non-touch or lever-operated.
Hand wash basins in clinical areas should have faucets that can be turned on and off without using the hands; that is, they should be non-touch or lever-operated.
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:19Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps
The pre-procedure steps of handwashing include removing jewelry and rolling up sleeves. However, many organizations allow staff to wear wedding rings.
The hand washing procedure itself includes the following steps. First, cover cuts, if any, on hands with a waterproof dressing. Cuts and abrasions can become contaminated with bacteria hindering the ability to clean the area thoroughly. In addition, repeated hand washing can worsen an injury. The nails must be short and clean, without nail paint...
The hand washing procedure itself includes the following steps. First, cover cuts, if any, on hands with a waterproof dressing. Cuts and abrasions can become contaminated with bacteria hindering the ability to clean the area thoroughly. In addition, repeated hand washing can worsen an injury. The nails must be short and clean, without nail paint...
01:26Standard Precaution
Standard precautions are the minimum infection control safeguards used while caring for all patients, irrespective of their disease condition. They help prevent the spread of common infectious microorganisms to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in all healthcare settings.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...