Kaiser Permanente National Hand Hygiene Program

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Infection Control
• Public Health Interventions
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Hand hygiene is critical for preventing healthcare-associated infections.
• Waterless, alcohol-based skin degermers and eliminating artificial nails are recognized infection prevention strategies.
• Kaiser Permanente (KP) launched a national hand hygiene initiative in 2001.

Purpose of the Study:

• To increase hand hygiene compliance across the KP organization.
• To evaluate the impact of a national hand hygiene program on infection rates.
• To promote infection control through standardized practices.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a national hand hygiene program including education and standardized products.
• Eliminated the use of artificial nails for healthcare personnel.
• Monitored outcomes such as hand hygiene compliance and infection rates.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 26% increase in hand hygiene compliance.
• Observed a decrease in bloodstream infections and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.
• Reduced artificial nail usage by 97% nationwide by May 2003.

Conclusions:

• KP leadership endorsement facilitated widespread program implementation.
• Outcome indicators suggest the hand hygiene initiative has been successful.
• Final outcome monitoring was scheduled for completion in December 2003.