Jammali-Blasi, et al. reports the findings of a study to identify the views of 300 randomly sampled acute-care healthcare personnel from a tertiary referral teaching hospital, on the factors that they believe influence hand hygiene practice, and their views on strategies to improve compliance. Data were collected using a 19-question self-administered questionnaire.
The sample response rate was 39% (n = 118). Doctors were significantly less likely to report receiving hand hygiene education (p < 0.01) or familiarity with the five moments for hand hygiene (p < 0.01). Overall, respondents regarded organisational strategies more favourably than clinician or patient-focused strategies. Medical staff were less likely to agree with clinical area hand hygiene performance feedback (p = 0.03) while nursing staff were more likely to be agreeable to regular hand hygiene assessment (p = 0.02).
The researchers conclude that hand hygiene education may require targeting of particular groups of healthcare professionals to ensure that all clinical disciplines receive hand hygiene education. They add that hand hygiene strategies should be based on local needs and take into account contextual factors.
Reference: Jammali-Blasi A, McInnes E and Middleton S. A survey of acute care clinicians' views on factors influencing hand hygiene practice and actions to improve hand hygiene compliance. Infection, Disease & Health. Vol. 21, No. 1, May 2016, Pages 16–25.
Rare Disease Day 2024: Spotlight on Rare Infectious Diseases
February 29th 2024Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2024, shines a global light on the impact of rare diseases, including rare infectious diseases. With a focus on early diagnosis and treatment access, this day highlights the struggles of those with rare conditions.
The Neglected Tropical Diseases You’ve Never Heard Of
February 27th 2024The 20 conditions, known as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), are estimated to affect more than 1 billion people, yet many individuals have never heard of them. Heather Saunders, MPH, RN, CIC, discusses 5 of them and what is being done to prevent their spread.
The Benefits of Achieving Certifications and Training in the Field of Infection Prevention
February 20th 2024The field of health care has placed a great emphasis on infection prevention in recent years, making it imperative for professionals in this domain to obtain certifications and additional training. These credentials verify their expertise and enable them to gain access to better job prospects and higher earning potential.