By Healthcare Facilities Today

Financial incentives are effective in improving rates of hand hygiene compliance, according to an article published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.

In the study, done in two phases from July 2009 through August 2012, researchers implemented a system of project planning, leadership buy-in, goal setting, and financial incentives tied to observed compliance with established hand hygiene standards 

A total of 109,988 observations were completed during the study period, with a increase in hand hygiene compliance throughout each  phase resulting in an increase in compliance to more than 85 percent since January 2011.

Based on their rate of compliance, the studies medical center departments were able to reclaim some rebate dollars allocated through a self-insurance trust.

Read the study preview.