By Healthcare Facilities Today

A multifaceted hand hygiene initiative increased compliance rates among all healthcare workers at a 719-bed tertiary care teaching hospital, according to a study in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. 

Rhode Island Hospital in Providence measured hand hygiene compliance through observation of hand hygiene behavior when entering and existing a patient room from July 2008 to December 2012, according to an article on the Becker's Clinical Quality & Infection Control. 

During that period, hygiene efforts included education modules, posters and table tents, monthly compliance reports, pizza parties rewards and more automated alcohol hand hygiene product dispensers.

The overall compliance rate across the study period rose to 83 percent. According to the study, the factors associated with the higher compliance included:

• At 84 percent and 85 percent, respectively, nursing staff and technical staff were more compliant than physician staff.

• Pediatric units and ICUs had an 84 percent overall compliance rate, compared with 82 percent in medical units and 81 percent in surgical units.

• Compliance rates were 86 percent when exiting a patient room and 80 percent when entering a room. 

• Compliance rates were higher when patients were under contact precautions.

• Compliance was 90 percent at night, compared with 80 percent during the day. 

Read the article.