Research published in the American Journal of Infection Control detailed how educating anesthesia providers on the World Health Organization's five indications for hand hygiene and increasing access to hand hygiene products in the operating room can increase compliance.
Researchers observed OR hand hygiene compliance in three phases, including pre-implementation, post-implementation, and 60 days post-implementation.
Here are the key research insights to know:
1. The researchers found compliance improved in each of the five indications for hand hygiene, in addition to overall compliance.
2. Glove and portable hand sanitizer use decreased.
3. "Although the use of the portable device declined, further studies could focus on observing single anesthesia providers instead of a preceptor/student combination, and also examine proximity to hand hygiene products in relation to compliance," the researchers concluded.
