Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Health Services

Advisor

Diane Whitehead

Abstract

Hand hygiene is the term for removing microorganisms with disinfecting agents, alcohol-based rub, or soap and water. Evidence supported the low rates of hand hygiene compliance among health care workers. This project addressed this gap in practice at a large acute care facility through an educational training program. Data from the facility on hand hygiene compliance revealed a compliance rate of 63%. The problem question explored whether an educational program on hand hygiene improve compliance. The focus of the program was to provide education on the World Health Organization's My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene and the 7-step technique for performing hand hygiene to improve overall compliance. A 2-week education program was provided for a wide cross-section of health care workers involved in direct patient contact. A total of 266 employees participated in the hand hygiene education and training. Education was delivered using a Sure Wash Kiosk, which was portable from floor to floor. Pre- and post-education hand hygiene data were evaluated to determine the effect of education on health care workers' compliance. Pre-education data revealed low compliance with hand hygiene and knowledge gap with both indications (5 Moments) for hand hygiene and hand hygiene techniques (7 steps). Post education data showed a significant improvement in compliance with the 5 Moments and techniques outlined during education. The result of this study is significant as it provides evidence supporting point of care education to improve hand hygiene compliance. The chief beneficiary will be the patient population who will receive high-quality safe care promoted by evidence-based practice.

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