The Effect of Hand Hygiene Promotion in a University Hospital in China

Research Article

Li-Li Xiang , Duo-Shuang Xi

Abstract

Objective: Implementing a multimodal campaign could be resulted in a sustained increase in hand hygiene (HH) compliance rates. However, most studies of HH campaign have been conducted in the developed countries. This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hand hygiene campaign in a university hospital in China. Methods: During the period of the HH campaign, the WHO hand hygiene improvement strategy was implemented to improve hand hygiene compliance. We collected and evaluated the effect of hand hygiene campaign by the questionnaire of WHO hand hygiene observation, consumption of alcohol-based hand rub (AHR), liquid soap and gloves, and the quality of HH by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) test. Results: Of the 4,177 opportunities of hand hygiene evaluated, the HH compliance improved significantly from 24.2% to 41.0% after the intervention. Health care workers in the ICU showed higher hand hygiene compliance compared with those in other departments. In general, Nurses’ hand hygiene compliance was higher than those of physicians and surgeons. The consumption of AHR and the ATP pass rate increased after the intervention. Conclusion: Through the intervention, medical staff hand hygiene compliance was greatly improved from 24.2% to 41.0%. The WHO Hand Hygiene Strategy was also effective in hospital of China.

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