Improving hand hygiene compliance among anesthesia providers

Editor's Note

Education and monitoring of hand hygiene among anesthesia providers in the OR improved hand hygiene compliance in this study from the Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina.

Anesthesia providers were educated on the World Health Organization’s five indications for hand hygiene, and their access to hand hygiene products in the OR was increased. Anesthesia providers were monitored through three phases: preimplementation, postimplementation, and 60 days postimplementation.

There were significant improvements in compliance for each of the five indications and in overall compliance. Each of the three phases also showed significant improvement. In addition, there was a significant decrease in glove use and use of the portable hand sanitizer device.

Further studies should look at single anesthesia providers instead of a preceptor/student combination, and they should examine the proximity to hand hygiene products in relation to compliance, the researchers say.