Examining the Educational Effects of Hand Hygiene Techniques Using a Fluorescent Application Area Analysis Tool

• Published in: Japanese Journal of Infection Prevention and Control Vol. 39; no. 3; pp. 70 - 75
• Main Authors: OKADA, Yasuyo, NONOSE, Yuka, FUJITA, Akiko, SAKURAI, Norihiro, NAKAIE, Kiyotaka, YAMADA, Koichi, KAKEYA, Hiroshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Japanese
• Published: Japanese Society for Infection Prevention and Control 25.05.2024
• Subjects: hand hygiene; hand hygiene education; hand hygiene quality assessment; hand hygiene techniques
• ISSN: 1882-532X; 1883-2407
• DOI: 10.4058/jsei.39.70

Educating healthcare staff about hand hygiene is crucial for preventing the transmission of communicable diseases in all healthcare facilities. To improve hand hygiene techniques, we conducted an educational program using videos and a new educational tool, known as the "fluorescent application area analysis tool. " Using this tool, we measured and scored the areas where fluorescent paint did not adequately spread or remained after hand washing. Following the educational videos, we conducted follow-up measurements and compared the results based on the job category.Overall, 935 participants (128 physicians, 484 nurses, 56 nursing assistants, 93 other medical staff, and 174 administrative staff) were included. The results showed an increase in hand sanitization points for all occupations (nurses, physicians, and clerical staff; P < 0.01), whereas hand washing points decreased for all occupations except nursing assistants (nurses and clerical staff; P < 0.01). Notably, the educational intervention had a significant effect on hand sanitization.Scores for hand washing were higher than those for hand disinfection in all occupations, indicating that the respondents had already mastered the hand washing technique. However, education focusing on the key points of hand disinfection techniques is required to further improve the scores. In an interoccupational comparison, we observed significant differences in scores for hand disinfection and hand washing, demonstrating that using the same educational material for all occupations may be ineffective. In a site-specific evaluation, hand disinfection exhibited high scores for the back of the hand, with no difference observed between the left and right hands. However, hand washing exhibited high scores for the palms and left hand, indicating differences in technique-related issues. The results of hand disinfection in the site-specific evaluation differed from those of previous studies. Therefore, the validity of the evaluation criteria for the "Fluorescent Application Area Analysis Tool" should be examined.