Infection control
Research reveals that when barriers such as broken or empty sanitisers occur, healthcare practitioners rarely search out alternative solutions.
holding staff accountable for their hand hygiene practices. Education and training programmes should emphasise the importance of hand hygiene, provide practical guidance on proper techniques, and raise awareness about the consequences of HAIs.
The future of hand hygiene A 2023 systematic review titled ‘Hand hygiene practices for prevention of healthcare-associated infections associated with admitted infectious patients in the emergency department,’ published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science found that the most effective hand hygiene interventions were those that came in the form of education and training, especially when complemented by posters, feedbacks, presentations or simulations. “Hand hygiene training should occur at a minimum annually. Facilities should consider scenario-based virtual-reality training and video training. Strategies that utilise social-media-based platforms for healthcare worker knowledge have also been shown to be effective. Furthermore, there are validated hand hygiene education training systems that exist to teach and assess hand hygiene technique,” says Knighton. However, education should not just be for healthcare staff, Knighton emphasises: “Patients are at the centre of care and should be educated about infections and the risks associated with receiving healthcare.”
Improving hand hygiene practices will also require collaboration and synergy across healthcare systems and governments. A multi- disciplinary approach that engages healthcare workers, infection prevention specialists, administrations and patients is indispensable for fostering sustainable improvement.
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Specifically, hospitals should not underestimate the value of infection preventionists (Ips), Knighton insists – “Ips are important as it relates to investigating the source of infections and reinforcing low hand hygiene compliance through adequate programmes and coming up with practical policies that are tailored to unique care settings. Ips having the support of leadership can be critical to helping hospitals create a culture of accountability from the system down to each individual.” With the rise of technological-based interventions and artificial intelligence in the realm of medicine, the future of hand hygiene is likely to also evolve to enhance patient care and infection control. “I see more technologies and resources that are enhanced to ensure that staff are given reminders at the point of care around the most important hand hygiene indications such as WHO’s ‘5 Moments for Hand Hygiene’ for which they can optimise patient safety,” explains Dr Knighton.
“Hand hygiene is a human-based behaviour that takes practice, correction, and reinforcement. Artificial intelligence cannot replace the need of human touch and the relationship between patients and providers however it can serve as a guide to ensure that love and care is spread and not germs by providing behavioural support to good hand hygiene practice.”
Improving hand hygiene practices is essential for reducing the spread of healthcare-associated infections and protecting patient safety. By implementing effective hand hygiene programmes, promoting behavioural change, leveraging technology, collaborating with stakeholders, and sustaining efforts over time, hospitals can make significant strides in preventing HAIs and improving the quality of care.
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