Improving hand hygiene compliance in hospitals
CHALLENGE
1 in 20 patients admitted to hospital acquires healthcare-associated infection. Although hand hygiene compliance is a top infection prevention measure, achieving high levels of compliance has been difficult.
RESEARCH QUESTION
Does maximizing the visibility and accessibility of hand hygiene stations affect hand hygiene compliance in hospitals?
RESEARCH TECHNIQUES
Design: Prototyping, simulation
Qualitative: Contextual inquiry, thematic analysis
FINDINGS
When the visibility and/or accessibility of a hand sanitizing station increase, its usage frequency will increase.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Strategic placement of hand sanitizing stations may increase cost-effectiveness of interventions by increasing usability of hand hygiene resources.
