Hand Hygiene Paper
Process or Procedure
Hand hygiene is the single most important step in infection prevention in the hospital. Research has shown that effective hand hygiene prevents the transmission of heath care-associated infections, thus reducing length of stay, cost per day, and cost per episode. (Jeong) There are many reasons cited for the lack of compliance with hand hygiene among heath care workers. Heavy workloads, understaffing, lack of time and poor leadership are often the identified reasons behind the lack of compliance. The current process of hand washing is for staff to wash hands after every other patient, and may uses sanitizer in between unless patient is positive for Clostridium difficile, in that case nurse is required to wash with soap as sanitizer is not effective.
After a discussion with Ashlen RN of the infection control team, I found that the current practice is not achieving a 100% participation for a number of reasons. Some staff report not having enough time, others report not having sinks in every room or sanitizing stations at every door. This is cause for a recommended change. A1. Discussion of Process or ProcedureIn studies and recent evidence, less than 60% of nurses actually wash hands after every encounter, and 45% are washing hands effectively. When surveyed nurses often voice time as the barrier for not washing hands at every encounter. I spoke with Yashieta Lacy RN who stated “I have had times when I don’t have access to a sink or a disinfectant dispenser”. I think the current process should be re-examined and changed to assist in reducing transmission of hospital acquired bacteria and diseases. A2.a.b.c Basis for PracticeThe current process of handwashing technique and frequency within the hospital is determined by the Quality Control and Risk Management department. These departments gather evidenced-based practice guidelines and research and adjust them to accommodate facility, staff, and equipment.
Meaning if there is evidence-based practice supporting using a machine you don’t have, that guideline or evidence would not be valid. The main source is the CDC which provides information and updates on current pathogens and bacteria. Hospital staff is then educated and monitored for compliance.Reducing the transmission of HCAI’s is at the forefront of hospitals and other health care organizations. 1.7 million patients are hospitalized each year with a hospital-acquired infection, and 90,000 of those patients die. Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent transmission of HCAI. Continuing education has help increased compliance, but often times this compliance is short lived. Surveillance studies have shown that hand hygiene compliance is initially high after such education, but begins to dwindle over time. Handwashing has always been the leader in the transmission of hospital-acquired bacteria.
The rationale for changing the current practice is to more so maintain compliance, as the practice is effective. The issue is are the personnel performing the practice and why not. The current practice is effective as information obtain from the CDC provides …
