New technologies have been created to better measure hand-washing compliance rates, according to an article on the Becker's Infection Control & Clinical Quality website.
Many hospitals use real-time location systems or mini wireless networks within the hospital to track employee movement and hand sanitizer use via sensors in dispensers, the article said.
These technologies are more accurate and often result in less encouraging reports on compliance rates.
Experts suggest that these numbers should not be looked at as backsliding, but as a reframing of the situation.
"It is important to remember that this is not a reduction in hand hygiene compliance. It is introducing a new baseline for measurement," said Dave Mackay, vice president of healthcare for GOJO Industries.
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