Impact of WHO Hand Hygiene Improvement Program Implementation: A Quasi-Experimental Trial

Abstract

Objectives. As affirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO), hand hygiene is the most powerful preventive measure against healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) and, thus, it has become one of the five key elements of patient safety program. The aim is to assess the effect of implementation of the WHO's Multimodal Hand Hygiene Improvement Strategy among healthcare workers of a tertiary teaching hospital in a developing country. Methods. Hand hygiene compliance was assessed among healthcare workers, according to five defined moments for hand hygiene of the WHO, before and after implementation of the WHO's Multimodal Hand Hygiene Improvement Strategy in fourteen wards of a tertiary teaching hospital in Shiraz, Iran. We used direct observation method and documented the results in WHO hand hygiene observation forms. Results. There was a significant change in compliance before and after implementation of WHO's Multimodal HH Improvement Strategy (29.8% and 70.98%, resp.). Conclusions. Implementing WHO hand hygiene program can significantly improve hand hygiene compliance among nurses.

Knowledge, perception, performance, and attitude regarding hand hygiene and related factors among infection control nurses in South Korea: A cross-sectional study

“…Therefore, strategies to promote the convenience and protectiveness of HH products are needed to improve HH. 1,3,4 The mean HH role model score (39.2 § 6.0) was relatively lower than that in a previous study with RNs 13 (46.9 § 3.3). ICNs considered the charge nurse, head nurse, and physician as important role models, apart from colleagues, to improve HH compliance, as in previous studies.…”

“…Health care−associated infections (HAIs) critically impact patient outcomes, increase hospital costs, and extend hospital stays. [1][2][3][4] The primary transmission of pathogens between patients in HAIs takes place via the hands of health care workers (HCWs). 5 Thus, hand hygiene (HH) is the single most important factor for preventing HAIs.…”

“…5 Thus, hand hygiene (HH) is the single most important factor for preventing HAIs. 1,3,4 Proper HH among HCWs is one of the foremost techniques for reducing HAIs. 1,2 However, HH performance among HCWs was reported to be as low as about 38%.…”

“…The knowledge and perception of ICNs regarding HH can also affect the HH performance of other HCWs because ICNs are responsible for HH performance improvement activities such as HH education, campaigns, monitoring, and feedback. 1,3,4,7 Therefore, ICNs should first acquire knowledge and receive professional education and training in HH.…”

Hand hygiene adherence according to World Health Organization Recommendations in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

“…[12][13] Despite these international efforts and initiatives, adherence to hand hygiene remains below 50% in developed countries and continues to be very low amongst physicians and nurses. [14][15] The Hospital Infection Control Service (HICS) team at the hospital maternity routinely performs hand hygiene trainings and measurement of alcoholbased hand rub solution use at the NICU, according with WHO recommendations.…”