Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) are a global challenge, and low adherence to hand hygiene is a factor in increasing these infections and associated costs. Although measures such as alcohol-based hand rub are implemented at points of care, sustainability of these improvements and a systematic approach to hand hygiene remain challenging. Education and awareness regarding hand hygiene are important strategies for prevention and reduction of HAIs. To engage patients, family members, and caregivers in direct observation of healthcare workers’ hand hygiene during care, aiming to increase awareness and compliance with recommended hand hygiene practices. Upon admission, the patient receives information regarding the importance of hand hygiene during their care and is invited to participate in the project of observing healthcare workers’ hand hygiene. Through a partnership with a medical-hospital technology company, HANDS Safe was made available, a tool that allows the patient, family member, and caregiver to evaluate hand hygiene. The app is accessed via a QR code and does not allow identification of the evaluator or the observed professional. The Hospital Infection Control Service (SCIH) monitors audit results through a platform that generates detailed reports by time period of adherence, professional category, moment, sectors, and work shift. The hand hygiene project started in November 2023 in two sectors: adult ICU and dialysis outpatient clinic. In 2024, the project was expanded to all hospital sectors. A total of 805 observations were carried out, with overall hand hygiene adherence of 90%. Nurses were the most observed professional category (39%), with 91% adherence. Inpatient units were the sectors with the most observations (60%), with 88% adherence. Moment 1, before patient contact, was the most observed (38%), with 88% adherence. The morning shift was the most observed (56%), with 90% adherence. Active participation of patients and caregivers during hospitalization can improve the patient experience and ensure safety and quality of care. The results demonstrate satisfactory overall adherence. Implementation of training and feedback strategies can help consolidate achieved advances and promote an even stronger safety culture.
Faria et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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