Quantitative impact of direct, personal feedback on hand hygiene technique

• Published in: The Journal of hospital infection Vol. 91; no. 1; pp. 81 - 84
• Main Authors: Lehotsky, Á, Szilágyi, L, Ferenci, T, Kovács, L, Pethes, R, Wéber, G, Haidegger, T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2015
• Subjects: Cross Infection - epidemiology; Cross Infection - prevention & control; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Feedback; Guideline Adherence; Hand Disinfection - methods; Hand Disinfection - standards; Hand hygiene; Health Personnel - standards; Hospital-acquired infections; Humans; Hungary - epidemiology; Infection control; Infectious Disease; Ultraviolet Rays; User feedback; Hungary; User feedback; Hand hygiene; Hospital-acquired infections; Infection control
• ISSN: 0195-6701; 1532-2939
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2015.05.010

Summary This study investigated the effectiveness of targeting hand hygiene technique using a new training device that provides objective, personal and quantitative feedback. One hundred and thirty-six healthcare workers in three Hungarian hospitals participated in a repetitive hand hygiene technique assessment study. Ultraviolet (UV)-labelled hand rub was used at each event, and digital images of the hands were subsequently taken under UV light. Immediate objective visual feedback was given to participants, showing missed areas on their hands. The rate of inadequate hand rubbing reduced from 50% to 15% ( P  < 0.001). However, maintenance of this reduced rate is likely to require continuous use of the electronic equipment.