Qualitative interview study exploring frontline managers' contributions to hand hygiene standards and audit: Local...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Infection Prevention and Control
• Clinical Auditing

Background:

• Frontline managers are essential for promoting hand hygiene standards and adherence to protocols.
• However, the specific role and influence of frontline managers in hand hygiene practices remain under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perspectives and experiences of frontline managers regarding their role in promoting hand hygiene.
• To understand how managers perceive and implement hand hygiene standards within acute care settings.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative interview study was conducted with frontline managers.
• Participants were recruited from two acute admission wards within a large National Health Service Trust in the United Kingdom.

Main Results:

• Managers align hand hygiene standards with World Health Organization guidelines.
• While not formally documenting all instances, managers could identify additional hand hygiene needs.
• Managers viewed audits as reminders of hand hygiene importance but not definitive practice indicators.
• Differences in nursing and medical staff working patterns create unique hand hygiene opportunities and barriers.
• Ward managers are recognized as the primary guardians of hand hygiene standards.

Conclusions:

• Frontline managers possess valuable insights into contemporary infection prevention challenges.
• Their perspectives are directly applicable to local practice and should inform the review and update of hand hygiene guidelines.