Study shows low levels of hand hygiene compliance in pediatric hospitals

Education about the appropriate use of alcohol-based hand rub recommended for these facilities

By Healthcare Facilities Today
October 23, 2013

A recent Greek study showed low levels of hand hygienic compliance in pediatric hospitals, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.

Hand hygiene is one of the basic components of the infection control program. The use of a waterless, alcohol-based hand rub is more effective, saves time and promote better compliance than hand washing, according to at the study, which sought to estimate current hand hygienic practices.

Observational hand hygiene data were collected from 13 wards in two pediatric hospitals in Athens, Greece, including medical/surgical, oncology/transplant, and intensive care units, during 65 one-hour observations periods, from October 2012 to January 2013. Hand washing opportunities and attempts were designated as appropriate or inappropriate per World Health Organization criteria, the article said

A total of 1,271 hand hygiene opportunities were identified. Overall hand hygiene compliance was 33 percent of which 58.8 percent were appropriate. Compliance differed by role: nurses (49 %), physicians (24%) and others (19%). Healthcare workers and visitors were more likely to use soap and water (76.1 %) compared to alcohol-based hand rub (23.9%).

The researchers concluded that education about the appropriate use of alcohol-based hand rub is needed in these facilities.

Read the article.