Development of an Assessment Tool to Measure Hand Hygiene Compliance and Competency in Health Care Services

Background and Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the role of hand hygiene in preventing health care-associated infections, to increase hand hygiene compliance among health care workers, and to develop a measurement tool to guide preventive and corrective activities. Methods: In this study, a literature review was conducted to prepare 40 questions, which were then presented to 14 infection control experts (physicians and nurses) for their feedback. The prepared data form was administered to a total of 458 volunteers and health care workers providing direct care to patients across seven regions in Turkey. Results: The average value of the Hand Hygiene Compliance and Proficiency Scale was found to be .88. The coefficient alpha value, used to assess the internal consistency of the scale, was calculated to be .929. Additionally, the internal consistency of the scale was determined using the Spearman-Brown coefficient (.787) and the Guttman Split-Half coefficient (.786). The first sub-dimension of the scale, named "Institutional Structure and Educational Activities," explained 16.449% of the total variance. The second sub-dimension, named "Hand Antiseptics and Their Use," explained 11.093% of the total variance. The third sub-dimension, named "Hand Hygiene Awareness and Practice," explained 19.542% of the total variance. Conclusions: The Hand Hygiene Compliance and Proficiency Scale in health care services was a reliable measurement tool that could be used to assess the current state of hand hygiene practices in healthcare institutions, identify areas that needed improvement, and evaluate the knowledge level and compliance of health care workers.