Objective: To reduce the spread of hospital acquired infections by increasing good hand hygiene in all clinical areas.
Methods: CHW implemented a range of multidisciplinary and multifaceted interventions to improve adherence to hand hygiene practices (HHP). This included installation of Alcoholic Based Hand rub (ABHR) at the point of patient care and introduction of a standardised overt observation tool. Presentations were made to a variety of staff outlining the current compliance and the interventions that would be implemented. A multidisciplinary project team was established. Different hand cleaning products were trialled and extensive staff feedback was sought. Education sessions were conducted and an e-learning program was made available. Promotional items including locally developed posters and badges were used. A brochure was developed and made available to staff and families in all areas. The audit results are shared every month with all clinical areas to enhance local ownership of the achievements and to ensure sustainability. Further encouragement is provided by rewarding the best performing areas with chocolates and a certificate by a member of the Hospital Executive.
Results: The overall compliance has increased from 23 % in 2006 to 88% in December 2010 (p < 0.001), with compliance above 80% since 2008. All the interventions embedded in our regular activities at CHW. The significant improvement and a consistent decline in HAI’s is evidence of sustainable results.
Conclusion: By using available knowledge and bringing the evidence into practice, we found that our interventions were successful in improving and maintaining hand hygiene practice.