ICT takes a look at some of the newer and emerging technologies that are being used in the fight against healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). Designed to be a quick guide to what is available in the marketplace, it is not meant to represent endorsement of any particular product or company; product claims are those of the manufacturer.
ICT asked companies for their input on three points:
-- A description of their technology
-- How the technology facilitates the control/eradication of infection-causing pathogens and the science behind it
-- Advice for the evaluation and purchasing of this technology
Automated Hand Hygiene Technology
HandGiene
The HandGiene system uses RFID, wireless and Zigbee technology, coupled with Web-based data collection and reporting software, to provide real-time monitoring and feedback monitoring for all handwashing activities of healthcare personnel. Unobtrusive and easy to use, the HandGiene system does not add any additional steps for busy employees to take; they just wash or sanitize their hands as usual while the system documents and reports the interaction. HandGiene can be used with a variety of proprietary, FDA-approved soap and sanitizer formulations with industry-accepted, pathogen-destroying additives. Administrators can easily create required documentation for compliance to infection protocols from the intuitive software. HandGiene not only alerts infection control officers when non-compliance occurs, but also can alert maintenance when a dispenser needs to be refilled.
Because of the integrated RFID-enabled system of identification tags, stand-alone sensors in soap or hand-sanitizer dispensers and software, it makes the monitoring, recording and documenting of hand-hygiene protocols that meet handwashing regulations and requirements easy to apply. The system gives infection preventionists the ability to track and meet a compliance rate of up to 100 percent. Most experts agree that more than 50 percent of all HAIs could be eliminated by handwashing. Because the HandGiene system works with soap or hand sanitizers that take 15 seconds to 20 seconds of friction to dissipate, it meets the Joint Commission and CDC’s requirement for destroying infection-causing pathogens. Since the RFID tag is read on entering and leaving an area—and logged into a real-time database—HandGiene technology provides real-time monitoring for instant alerts, feedback and accountability.
Ask the following questions: Is the technology as easy to install? Can it be integrated into current smart-card use? Does the system make it easy to follow handwashing protocols or does it add steps for busy staff? Does the system provide a solution for the problem of soap or hand-cleanser availability? Are you leasing a system or buying one? If leasing, are the ongoing costs greater than the cost of installation? Are there hidden costs such as software fees or maintenance issues such as smaller dispensers? Will the soap or hand-sanitizer be more cost-effective than the brand you already use? What is the estimated ROI? What additional monthly costs are there, if any?
