Technology Aids in HAI Prevention

Versus Technology, Inc. has introduced a Hand Hygiene Compliance Solution to automatically measure instances of hand hygiene compliance and noncompliance. The system includes infrared (IR) and RFID badges for caregivers. These small, lightweight badges communicate with similar IR-RFID tags placed on automated soap dispensers. When a badge-wearing staff member approaches the soap dispensing unit, the tag on the dispenser reads the badge, records who is at the handwashing station and when and where the activity is taking place. At the time of handwashing, the caregiver receives an audible acknowledgement that the Versus system has captured this HHC event. The event is recorded and available for reporting and quality improvement purposes. Because the system is based on real-time locating technology, it provides accurate, unbiased data for continual process improvement.

The ProGiene GMS system from UltraClenz is a handwashing management system designed to increase and sustain handwashing quality while providing management with both a daily and cumulative total of completed handwashes. The integrated Progiene GMS system is comprised of a touch-free faucet adapter (ProSense) and an intelligent touch-free soap dispenser. It can operate as a stand-alone system or on a network with up to 240 Progiene GMS systems. As a networked system, the Progiene GMS becomes a powerful management tool by reporting hand wash statistics and trends for the past 90 days. A networked system also allows for remote system configuration and real-time hand wash counts both daily and cumulative.

Alpha Protection Solutions, LLC is the distributor of the AlphaClean™ Hand Wash and Data Compliance System, designed to monitor employee hygiene through a proprietary data tracking system. AlphaClean Compliance System is comprised of a touch-free faucet sensor and/or touch-free dispenser sensor that works with a portable data logger device that transmit data to a computer-based system that generates reports for improved surveillance activities.

HyGenius is a complete handwashing management system that attaches to any existing hand sink or automatic wash system. Designed to provide a proper wash for each user, HyGenius not only verifies individual handwashing compliance but helps to ensure consistent handwashing technique and regular wash frequency by each user. HyGenius also helps ensure that a proper wash is performed between glove changes, helping to manage proper gloving and glove changing. HyGenius administers a step-by-step, time- and temperature-controlled wash utomatically, without having to touch bacteria-laden faucet handles or knobs. The water flow allows proper and thorough wetting, and then the flow of water is stopped and the built-in display instructs the user through the dispensing of soap, lathering/scrubbing, rinsing and drying. Using sensors capable of detecting drugs in breath, new technology developed at the University of Florida monitors healthcare workers’ hand hygiene by detecting sanitizer or soap fumes given off from their hands. The HyGreen system logs the frequency of hand cleaning and contact with patients in a database that clinical supervisors can review immediately.

“This isn’t big brother, this is just another tool,” says Richard J. Melker, MD, PhD, a UF College of Medicine anesthesiology professor who developed the technology along with professors Donn Dennis, MD, and Nikolaus Gravenstein, MD, of the anesthesiology department, and Christopher Batich, PhD, a materials science professor in the College of Engineering. “A hospital worker never wants to be responsible for someone getting sick or dying from an infection acquired in the hospital.”

HyGreen is now being tested in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Shands at UF Medical Center. The healthcare worker squirts sanitizer gel or soap into his or her hand before passing it under a wall-mounted sensor. A wireless signal from a badge worn by the worker activates a green light on the hand-washing sensor. When the worker enters a patient room, a monitor near the bed detects the status of the badge, and flashes green if the person has clean hands. If the person has not washed, or too much time has passed between washing and approaching the patient, the badge will give a gentle “reminder” vibration. “I do wash my hands more often,” says Carrie McGirr, RN, who volunteered to help test the HyGreen system. “It’s a fairly simple process to learn.” Loretta Fauerbach, director of infection control at Shands, says, “This system is a noninvasive way of measuring; it allows for nonbiased measurement and is unobtrusive.”