Date of Conferral

11-29-2024

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Marilyn Losty

Abstract

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a significant concern in healthcare, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Despite the effectiveness of hand hygiene in preventing HAIs, compliance among healthcare providers remains suboptimal. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to evaluate whether an educational intervention could improve healthcare professionals’ knowledge and awareness of hand hygiene practices in a clinical setting. A convenience sample of 11 participants attended a 10-day educational intervention. Participants completed pretests and posttests to measure knowledge and awareness. The mean pretest score for knowledge was 8.73 (SD = 1.19), while the mean posttest score was 10.00 (SD = 0.00), indicating a statistically significant improvement (z = -2.56, p < 0.05). Awareness scores also improved across key metrics, including the importance of standardized hand hygiene protocols and the use of hand sanitizers to prevent HAIs. The findings highlight the effectiveness of educational interventions in increasing knowledge and awareness among healthcare providers. Recommendations include incorporating hand hygiene education into annual training and onboarding processes to promote long-term improvements in compliance. Sustained educational efforts can reduce HAIs, improve patient outcomes, and foster a culture of safety and quality in healthcare organizations. By addressing knowledge gaps and reinforcing evidence-based practices, this project demonstrates how targeted education can drive positive social change and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare.

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