Hand washing compliance among Healthcare staff in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Multispecialty Hospital of North India

Purpose:

Hand hygiene is the single most important strategy to prevent HAIs. The present cross sectional study was conducted in ICUs to provide insight into the prevailing practices of hand-hygiene.

Results:

During two week analysis, 2400 hand washing opportunities were observed. Hand washing adherence rate was 86.0%, with highest compliance among nurses (94.0%). Compliance was (95.0%) after patient contact than 72.5% before contact. In 96.04% opportunities alcohol rub was used for hand washing. More than 90.0% staff was aware about facts viz. diseases prevented by hand washing (96.2%), ideal duration of hand washing (92.6%), reduction of HAI with hand washing (98.0%) etc.

Reasons for non-adherence emerged as work pressure (94.2%) and unavailability of materials (82.4%).

Conclusion

The level of compliance (86%) is below the need to be there in ICU otherwise. Easy access to hand-rub solutions, adherence measurement and institutional commitment might contribute to staff sensitivity to hand hygiene practices.

ReadCiteExport

Add to List

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.

Sign up to Zendy

Having issues? You can contact us here