Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 25, 2025
A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
Increasing patient participation in hand hygiene practices in adult surgical wards in a tertiary institution: a best
Tze Lin Choong1, Zhao Jun Lim1, Alexander Guan Ting Ho1
1Nursing Department, National University Hospital, National University Health System.
Introduction:
The WHO states that hospital-acquired infections may be transmitted through contaminated hands. Practicing hand hygiene using alcohol-based handrub or soap and water reduces harmful organisms. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) best practice recommends empowering patients with hand hygiene knowledge and engaging their involvement to strengthen hand hygiene practices.
Aims:
The aim of this project was to improve hand hygiene among surgical inpatients.
Methods:
This evidence-based quality improvement project was conducted in three phases: the baseline audit, implementing best practice, and the postimplementation audit. Participants were patients hospitalized in three surgical wards of a 1200-bed acute care tertiary hospital. This project utilized the online JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and The Getting Research into Practice program to identify barriers and strategies. Nurses provided patients with an education pamphlet and regularly reminded them to improve their hand hygiene practices.
Results:
Ninety-four patients were audited between April and June 2018. Patients' hand hygiene practices improved from 19.1% at baseline audit to 61.7% (P < 0.01) at first follow-up audit. Patients' hand hygiene improved from 48.9 to 72.3% (P = 0.03) before meals, and from 92.6 to 98.9% (P = 0.65) after toileting. The proportion of patients who received a hand hygiene information leaflet in an appropriate language increased from 64.9 to 89.4% (P < 0.01).
Conclusion:
Patients' involvement in the hand hygiene program has significantly improved their hand hygiene practices. Patient education and patient information leaflet continue to be an effective strategy to improve knowledge and practices.
More Related Videos
05:04Author Spotlight: Evaluating Clinicians' Adoption of Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Cannulation Through Simulation Training
Published on: August 9, 2024
10:38Observational Study Protocol for Repeated Clinical Examination and Critical Care Ultrasonography Within the Simple Intensive Care Studies
Published on: January 16, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
01:15Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps
01:18Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of 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....
01:19Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps
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...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Standard Precaution
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...