Date of Conferral
8-13-2026
Date of Award
August 2026
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Susan Huehn
Abstract
This doctoral project is a staff education initiative designed to strengthen hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) practices among interdisciplinary staff in a long-term care (LTC) facility. The practice problem addressed inconsistent hand hygiene and PPE use across shifts and departments, contributing to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Because LTC residents are highly vulnerable due to advanced age, multiple comorbidities, and shared living environments, improving adherence to infection prevention practices is essential for enhancing resident safety, reducing preventable infections, and supporting compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) infection prevention standards. The practice-focused question examined how implementing a structured staff education program influenced staff knowledge and consistency in performing hand hygiene and PPE practices. The evidence-based intervention incorporated microlearning, leadership modeling, and environmental support to strengthen practice reliability and foster a culture of safety. Evaluations included organizational readiness, staff engagement, participant feedback, and direct observations of hand hygiene and PPE practices. Findings demonstrated strong leadership support, high staff engagement, improved awareness of infection prevention practices, and ongoing barriers related to staffing, workflow demands, and unit layout. Project deliverables included a microlearning curriculum, competency checklist, educational infographics, SWOT analysis, and sustainability plan.
Recommended Citation
Oluwa, Suliat, "Staff Education to Improve Hand Hygiene and Personal Protective Equipment Compliance" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 20617.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/20617
