Measuring hand hygiene compliance rates in different special care settings: a comparative study of methodologies

Abstract

Hand hygiene compliance was reasonably high in these units, as measured by direct observation. However, a lack of correlation with results obtained by other methodologies brings into question the validity of direct observation results, and suggests that periodic audits using other methods may be needed.

Assessment of nurses’ perceptions and adherence to five moments of hand hygiene in selected units at a University Teaching Hospital in Rwanda

“…The same approach was described and used by the investigators in their studies. [22,23] Data collection occurred on weekdays between 8:a.m and 7:00 p.m.during four weeks from 30 th March to 21 st April 2017. Arrangements had already been made with the unit managers, and participants were approached individually and invited to be involved in the study.…”

A survey of nurses' compliance with hand hygiene guidelines in caring for patients with cancer in a selected center of Isfahan, Iran, in 2016

“…This rate is much higher than the rate obtained in the present study. [ 19 20 21 22 ] Nevertheless, other factors such as unawareness, lack of time, skin irritation caused by disinfectants, heavy workload, lack of organizational supports, and different management systems can be effective on compliance with hand hygiene. [ 23 24 ] For the improvement of hand hygiene, multimodel programs are needed.…”

Direct observation of hand hygiene can show differences in staff compliance: Do we need to evaluate the accuracy for patient safety?

“…1,3–5,14 The lowest compliance in the initial two moments is a fundamental quality gap, because these play a relevant role in patient safety, while the next three moments aim to protect the staff, even when they are prone to the global risk of infection transmission.…”

“…1 Similar figures have been reported in recently published papers from Brazil, Australia, and India. 3–5 …”