Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
09:02
A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
18.3K
Hand hygiene deficiency citations in nursing homes
Nicholas Castle1, Laura Wagner, Jamie Ferguson
1University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Summary
Nursing homes with low staff levels and poor quality of care are more likely to receive hand hygiene deficiency citations. Improving staffing and quality can reduce infection transmission risks in these facilities.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare quality and safety
- Infection control and prevention
- Long-term care research
Background:
- Hand hygiene (HH) is crucial for reducing infection transmission.
- Limited research exists on HH practices specifically within nursing homes (NHs).
- Deficiency citations in NHs indicate potential issues with HH practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine HH deficiency citations in US nursing homes.
- To identify relationships between HH citations and NH characteristics.
- To explore links between HH citations and the NH environment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 148,900 observations from 2000-2009 Online Survey, Certification, And Reporting (OSCAR) data.
- Examination of deficiency citations related to HH practices.
- Multivariate analyses correlating citations with NH and environmental factors.
Main Results:
- An average of 9% of NHs annually received HH deficiency citations.
- Low staffing levels for nurse aides, LPNs, and RNs were associated with HH citations.
- Poor quality of care citations and high-harm deficiency citations correlated with HH citation.
Conclusions:
- A significant percentage of NHs face HH deficiency citations, highlighting a critical issue.
- Staffing levels and overall quality of care are linked to HH compliance.
- Increased attention and resources are needed to improve HH practices in NHs.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hand hygiene
5.2K
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...
5.2K
01:18Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of Equipment
5.3K
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....
5.3K
01:15Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps
3.0K
To wash hands properly, follow these steps:
3.0K
01:19Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps
1.5K
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...
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...
1.5K
01:26Standard Precaution
3.2K
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...
3.2K
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
4.7K
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...
4.7K