Reducing CLABSI through a quality strategy for the implementation of the aseptic non-touch technique in a pediatric ward.

BACKGROUND: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are among the most epidemiologically relevant health care-associated infections. The aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) is a standardized practice used to prevent CLABSIs. In a pediatric hospital, the overall CLABSI rate was 1.92/1000 catheter days (CD). However, in one unit, the rate was 5.7/1000 CD. METHODS: Nurses were trained in ANTT. For the implementation, plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles were completed. Adherence monitoring of the ANTT and epidemiological surveillance were performed. RESULTS: ANTT adherence of 95% was achieved after 6 PDSA cycles. Hand hygiene and general cleaning reached 100% adherence. Port disinfection and material collection had the lowest adherence rates, with 76.2% and 84.7%, respectively. The CLABSI rate decreased from 5.7 to 1.26/1000 CD. CONCLUSION: The implementation of ANTT helped reduce the CLABSI rate. Training and continuous monitoring are key to maintaining ANTT adherence.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las infecciones relacionadas con catéteres venosos centrales son unas de las infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud con mayor relevancia epidemiológica. La técnica aséptica «no tocar¼ es una práctica estandarizada que se utiliza para prevenir estas infecciones. En un hospital pediátrico, la tasa de infecciones relacionadas con catéteres venosos centrales fue de 1.92/1000 días de catéter. Sin embargo, en una de las unidades la tasa fue de 5.7/1000 días de catéter. MÉTODO: Se capacitaron enfermeras en la técnica aséptica «no tocar¼. Para la implementación se cumplieron ciclos de planificar-hacer-estudiar-actuar (PHEA). Se realizaron seguimiento de la adherencia a la técnica y vigilancia epidemiológica. RESULTADOS: Se logró una adherencia a la técnica aséptica «no tocar¼ del 95% después de seis ciclos. La higiene de manos y la limpieza general alcanzaron un 100% de cumplimiento. La desinfección de los puertos y la recolección de material alcanzaron la menor adherencia, con un 76.2% y un 84.7%, respectivamente. La tasa de infecciones relacionadas con catéteres venosos centrales disminuyó de 5.7 a 1.26 por 1000 días de catéter. CONCLUSIONES: La implementación de la técnica aséptica «no tocar¼ ayudó en la reducción de infecciones relacionadas con catéteres venosos centrales. La capacitación y el seguimiento continuo son clave para mantener el cumplimiento de la técnica.

Factors associated with hand hygiene adherence among healthcare workers in Guatemala during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections are prevalent in low- and middle-income countries and may be reduced through proper hand hygiene (HH) adherence during patient care. AIM: We produced and distributed alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) to 19 public primary- and secondary-level healthcare facilities in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, and carried out HH observations to assess healthcare workers' (HCWs) HH adherence, and to identify factors associated with this practice. HH adherence was defined as washing hands with soap and water or using ABHR. METHODS: Observations were conducted before (2021, baseline) and after (2022, follow-up) ABHR distribution to evaluate the evolution of HH practices over time. Bivariate comparisons and mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to explore associations between HH adherence and the following independent variables: healthcare facility level, type of contact performed, timing of HH performance, occupational category of HCW and materials present (e.g., water, soap, ABHR). FINDINGS: We observed 243 and 300 patient interactions among 67 and 82 HCWs at each time point, respectively. HH adherence was low for both observation periods (40% at baseline and 35% at follow-up). HCWs were more likely to adhere to HH during invasive contacts, after patient contact, and if the HCW was a physician. CONCLUSION: HH adherence varied by scenario, which underscores the importance of addressing multiple determinants of behaviour change to improve adherence. This requires interventions implemented with a multi-modal approach that includes both increasing access to HH materials and infrastructure, as well as HH education and training, monitoring and feedback, reminders, and promoting a HH safety culture.

Adherence to hand hygiene at five moments and specific protection in a tertiary care hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, adherence to hygiene measures is an objective aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate adherence to hand hygiene and protection measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Cross-sectional study on health personnel handwashing at the five moments recommended by the World Health Organization, as well as on the use of specific personal protective equipment. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen hand hygiene opportunities were observed in health personnel. Hand washing was observed in 40 (34 %) and omission in 76 (65 %). Adherence to the use of face shield was observed in five (4 %), and lack of adherence in 112 (96%). Adherence to the use of face mask was observed in 65 nursing professionals (87 %), with appropriate use of the mask in 56 of them (60 %) and use of face shield in one (1 %). CONCLUSION: Health personnel showed low proportions of adherence to hand hygiene and use of equipment for specific protection during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Ante la pandemia de COVID-19, el apego a las medidas de higiene es un objetivo para disminuir la morbimortalidad. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el apego a la higiene de manos y medidas de protección durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en un hospital de tercer nivel. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal acerca del lavado de manos del personal de salud en los cinco tiempos recomendados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, así como sobre el uso del equipo de protección personal específico. RESULTADOS: Fueron observadas 117 oportunidades de higiene de manos en personal de salud: 40 (34 %) respecto al lavado de manos y 76 (65 %) respecto a su omisión; sobre el apego al uso de careta en cinco (4 %) y sobre la falta de apego en 112 (96 %). Se identificó apego al uso de mascarilla en 65 profesionales de enfermería (87 %), uso adecuado de mascarilla en 56 de ellos (60 %) y uso de careta en uno (1 %). CONCLUSIÓN: El personal mostró baja proporción de apego a la higiene de manos y al uso de equipo para la protección específica durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

Apego a higiene de manos en 5 momentos y protección específica en un hospital de tercer nivel ante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Adherence to hand hygiene at five moments and specific protection in a tertiary care hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

Resumen Introducción: Ante la pandemia de COVID-19, el apego a las medidas de higiene es un objetivo para disminuir la morbimortalidad. Objetivo: Evaluar el apego a la higiene de manos y medidas de protección durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en un hospital de tercer nivel. Métodos: Estudio transversal acerca del lavado de manos del personal de salud en los cinco tiempos recomendados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, así como sobre el uso del equipo de protección personal específico. Resultados: Fueron observadas 117 oportunidades de higiene de manos en personal de salud: 40 (34 %) respecto al lavado de manos y 76 (65 %) respecto a su omisión; sobre el apego al uso de careta en cinco (4 %) y sobre la falta de apego en 112 (96 %). Se identificó apego al uso de mascarilla en 65 profesionales de enfermería (87 %), uso adecuado de mascarilla en 56 de ellos (60 %) y uso de careta en uno (1 %.) Conclusión: El personal mostró baja proporción de apego a la higiene de manos y al uso de equipo para la protección específica durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

Abstract Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, adherence to hygiene measures is an objective aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality. Objective: To evaluate adherence to hand hygiene and protection measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: Cross-sectional study on health personnel handwashing at the five moments recommended by the World Health Organization, as well as on the use of specific personal protective equipment. Results: One hundred and seventeen hand hygiene opportunities were observed in health personnel. Hand washing was observed in 40 (34 %) and omission in 76 (65 %). Adherence to the use of face shield was observed in five (4 %), and lack of adherence in 112 (96%). Adherence to the use of face mask was observed in 65 nursing professionals (87 %), with appropriate use of the mask in 56 of them (60 %) and use of face shield in one (1 %). Conclusion: Health personnel showed low proportions of adherence to hand hygiene and use of equipment for specific protection during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of replacing powdered gloves with powder-free gloves on hand-hygiene compliance among healthcare workers of an intensive care unit: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: After wearing powdered gloves, healthcare workers (HCW) are supposed to wash their hands instead of using alcohol-based hand-rub (ABHR). Washing hands takes longer than using ABHR, and the use of powdered gloves may be an obstacle to hand-hygiene compliance. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of replacing powdered gloves with powder-free gloves on hand-hygiene compliance among HCW of an intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in a general ICU of a tertiary care university hospital in Brazil. From June 1st to July 15th, 2017, all HCW were provided with powdered latex gloves only for all clinical procedures. From July 15th to August 31st, 2017, HCW were provided with nitrile powder-free gloves only. Hand-hygiene compliance was assessed through direct observation, and evaluated according to the World Health Organization Hand Hygiene guidelines. We calculated that a sample size of 544 hand hygiene opportunities needed to be observed per period. Data analysis were performed using the STATA SE® version 14, and we compared the individual's percentage of compliance using the t test for paired data before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Overall, 40 HCW were assessed before and after the introduction of nitrile powder-free gloves, with 1114 and 1139 observations of hand hygiene opportunities, respectively. The proportion of compliance with hand hygiene was 55% (95% confidence interval [CI] 51-59%) using powdered latex gloves and 60% (95% CI 57-63%) using powder-free gloves. The difference in proportions between the two types of gloves was 5.1% (95% CI 2.5-7.6%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that replacing powdered gloves with powder-free gloves positively influenced hand-hygiene compliance by HCW in an ICU setting.

Covid-19 (Sars-Cov-2 Infection) Information for Patients with Predialytic Chronic Kidney Disease.

Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease are among those individuals at increased risk for developing more serious forms of Covid-19. This increased risk starts in the pre-dialysis phase of the disease. Providing useful information for these patients, in language that facilitates the understanding of the disease, can help nephrologists and other healthcare professionals to establish a more effective communication with these patients and help minimize contagion and the risks of serious illness in this population.

Prevention and control measures for neonatal COVID-19 infection: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: to identify with the literature the measures to prevent and control neonatal infection by COVID-19. METHODS: a scope review carried out by searching for studies in databases and institutional health websites. The final sample was 25 articles. RESULTS: among the main measures are the use of masks by suspected or infected people in contact with healthy newborns, hand hygiene before and after each care and feeding as well as the tools used for milking. It is indispensable to use personal protective equipment by health professionals in neonatology services to maintain a private room for infected newborns or to use physical barriers. Early diagnosis and timely case management is essential to reduce virus transmissibility. CONCLUSIONS: the research contributed to elucidate health and nursing actions in preventing and controlling neonatal infection by COVID-19.

Prevention and control measures for neonatal COVID-19 infection: a scoping review / Medidas de prevención y control para la infección neonatal de COVID-19: revisión del alcance / Medidas de prevenção e controle de infecção neonatal por COVID-19: revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify with the literature the measures to prevent and control neonatal infection by COVID-19. Methods: a scope review carried out by searching for studies in databases and institutional health websites. The final sample was 25 articles. Results: among the main measures are the use of masks by suspected or infected people in contact with healthy newborns, hand hygiene before and after each care and feeding as well as the tools used for milking. It is indispensable to use personal protective equipment by health professionals in neonatology services to maintain a private room for infected newborns or to use physical barriers. Early diagnosis and timely case management is essential to reduce virus transmissibility. Conclusions: the research contributed to elucidate health and nursing actions in preventing and controlling neonatal infection by COVID-19.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar con la literatura las medidas para la prevención y el control de la infección neonatal por COVID-19. Métodos: revisión del alcance, realizada mediante la búsqueda de estudios en bases de datos y sitios web de salud institucional. La muestra final fue de 25 publicaciones. Resultados: entre las principales medidas, destacan el uso de máscaras por personas sospechosas o infectadas en contacto con recién nacidos sanos, la higiene de las manos antes y después de cada cuidado y alimentación, así como las herramientas utilizadas para ordeñar. Es esencial utilizar equipos de protección personal por parte de profesionales de la salud en los servicios de neonatología y mantener una habitación privada para los recién nacidos infectados o el uso de barreras físicas. El diagnóstico temprano y el manejo oportuno de los casos es esencial para reducir la transmisibilidad del virus. Conclusiones: la investigación contribuyó a dilucidar las acciones de salud y enfermería en la prevención y control de la infección neonatal por COVID-19.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar junto à literatura as medidas de prevenção e controle de infecção neonatal por COVID-19. Métodos: revisão de escopo, realizada mediante busca de estudos em bases de dados e sites institucionais de saúde. A amostra final foi de 25 publicações. Resultados: dentre as principais medidas, destacam-se o uso de máscaras por pessoas suspeitas ou infectadas no contato com neonatos saudáveis, a higienização das mãos antes e após cada cuidado e mamada assim como dos utensílios utilizados para ordenha. É indispensável o uso dos equipamentos de proteção individual pelos profissionais de saúde nos serviços de neonatologia e a manutenção de quarto privativo para neonatos infectados ou uso de barreiras físicas. O diagnóstico precoce e manejo oportuno dos casos é fundamental para a redução da transmissibilidade do vírus. Conclusões: a pesquisa contribuiu para elucidação das ações de saúde e enfermagem na prevenção e controle de infecção neonatal por COVID-19.

Plano municipal de contingência: Coronavírus [Aparecida do Rio Negro - TO] / Municipal contingency plan: Coronavirus [Aparecida do Rio Negro - TO]

Traz recomendações e orientações para ações de combate ao Coronavírus (Covid-19) no município de Aparecida do Rio Negro no Tocantins.

It provides recommendations and guidelines for actions to combat the Coronavirus (Covid-19) in the municipality of Aparecida do Rio Negro in Tocantins.

Brinda recomendaciones y lineamientos para acciones de combate al Coronavirus (Covid-19) en el municipio de Aparecida do Rio Negro en Tocantins.

Il fournit des recommandations et des lignes directrices pour les actions de lutte contre le Coronavirus (Covid-19) dans la municipalité d'Aparecida do Rio Negro à Tocantins.

Covid-19 (sars-cov-2 infection) information for patients with predialytic chronic kidney disease / Informações para pacientes com doença renal crônica pré-dialítica sobre Covid-19 (infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2)

ABSTRACT Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease are among those individuals at increased risk for developing more serious forms of Covid-19. This increased risk starts in the pre-dialysis phase of the disease. Providing useful information for these patients, in language that facilitates the understanding of the disease, can help nephrologists and other healthcare professionals to establish a more effective communication with these patients and help minimize contagion and the risks of serious illness in this population.

RESUMO Pacientes com Doença Renal Crônica estão entre os indivíduos de risco aumentado para desenvolvimento de formas mais sérias de Covid-19. Esse risco aumentado inicia-se já na fase pré-dialítica da doença. Fornecer informações úteis para esses pacientes, em linguagem que facilite o entendimento da doença, pode ajudar nefrologistas e outros profissionais de saúde a estabelecerem uma comunicação mais efetiva com esses pacientes e ajudar a minimizar o contágio e os riscos de doença grave nessa população.

Hand hygiene: knowledge and skill of caregivers in the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation / Higiene de las manos: conocimiento y habilidad de cuidadores en el trasplante de células madre hematopoyéticas / Higiene das mãos: conhecimento e habilidade de cuidadores no transplante de células-tronco hematopoéticas

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify the knowledge and ability of caregivers on hand hygiene in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Method: a prospective cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was used to identify the knowledge and it was observed the hygiene technique performance. Data were collected in two units (autologous and allogeneic transplant). Results: the 37 participants recognized the importance of hand hygiene and 95.5% related to removal of dirt or infection prevention. 91.9% stated that it was important to clean their hands with soap and water when entering and leaving the room, and 64.9% understood that it was necessary to apply alcoholic solution after washing. On average, the caregivers scored 6.16 steps, when demonstrating the washing technique and 3.91 steps in the friction with alcoholic solution. Conclusion: although they recognize the importance of the procedure, there are deficits related to the moment and the correct way of doing it, evidencing the need for strategies aimed at improving this process.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar el conocimiento y la habilidad de los cuidadores sobre la higiene de las manos en el trasplante de células madre hematopoyéticas. Método: estudio transversal prospectivo. Se utilizó un cuestionario para identificar el conocimiento y se observó la ejecución de la técnica de higienización. Los datos fueron recolectados en 2 unidades (transplante autólogo y alogénico). Resultados: los 37 participantes reconocieron la importancia de la higienización de las manos y el 95,5% la relacionaron con remoción de suciedad o prevención de infecciones. 91,9% citaron ser importantes higienizar las manos con agua y jabón al entrar y salir de la habitación, y el 64,9% entendieron que era necesaria la aplicación de una solución alcohólica después del lavado. En promedio, los cuidadores acertaron 6,16 pasos, al demostrar la técnica de lavado, y 3,91 pasos en la fricción con solución alcohólica. Conclusión: aunque reconocen la importancia del procedimiento, hay déficit relacionados con el momento y la forma correcta de realizarlo, evidenciando la necesidad de estrategias para la mejora de ese proceso.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar o conhecimento e habilidade de cuidadores sobre higiene das mãos no transplante de células-tronco hematopoéticas. Método: estudo transversal prospectivo. Utilizou-se questionário para identificar o conhecimento e foi observada a execução da técnica de higienização. Os dados foram coletados em duas unidades (transplante autólogo e alogênico). Resultados: os 37 participantes reconheceram a importância da higienização das mãos e 95,5% a relacionaram com remoção de sujidade ou prevenção de infecções. 91,9% citaram ser importante higienizar as mãos com água e sabonete ao entrar e sair do quarto, e 64,9% entenderam ser necessária a aplicação de solução alcoólica após a lavagem. Em média, os cuidadores acertaram 6,16 passos, ao demonstrarem a técnica de lavagem, e 3,91 passos na fricção com solução alcoólica. Conclusão: embora reconheçam a importância do procedimento, há déficits relacionados aos momentos e à forma correta de realizá-lo, evidenciando a necessidade de estratégias visando à melhoria desse processo.

Hand hygiene: knowledge and skill of caregivers in the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the knowledge and ability of caregivers on hand hygiene in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. METHOD: a prospective cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was used to identify the knowledge and it was observed the hygiene technique performance. Data were collected in two units (autologous and allogeneic transplant). RESULTS: the 37 participants recognized the importance of hand hygiene and 95.5% related to removal of dirt or infection prevention. 91.9% stated that it was important to clean their hands with soap and water when entering and leaving the room, and 64.9% understood that it was necessary to apply alcoholic solution after washing. On average, the caregivers scored 6.16 steps, when demonstrating the washing technique and 3.91 steps in the friction with alcoholic solution. CONCLUSION: although they recognize the importance of the procedure, there are deficits related to the moment and the correct way of doing it, evidencing the need for strategies aimed at improving this process.

Efficacy of the multimodal strategy for Hand Hygiene compliance: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate, from the literature, the effectiveness of the implementation of the multimodal strategy for health professionals compliance with Hand Hygiene and its sustainability over time. METHOD: Integrative review, with a view to answering the following question: "Is the implementation of the multimodal strategy effective in health professionals compliance with Hand Hygiene and can it be sustained over time?". The MEDLINE, SCOPUS, LILACS and CINAHL databases were used to retrieve the primary articles. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies were analyzed. Among the components of the multimodal strategy, three need to be better worked: health education, feedback from practices and management involvement. Although it needs to focus more on its five elements, interventions based on the multimodal strategy have favored HH compliance and its long-term sustainability. CONCLUSION: The strategy proved to be effective for HH compliance, especially when all integrating components are adequately addressed.

Efficacy of the multimodal strategy for Hand Hygiene compliance: an integrative review / Eficacia de la estrategia multimodal en la adhesión a la Higiene de las Manos: revisión integradora / Eficácia da estratégia multimodal para adesão à Higiene das Mãos: revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate, from the literature, the effectiveness of the implementation of the multimodal strategy for health professionals compliance with Hand Hygiene and its sustainability over time. Method: Integrative review, with a view to answering the following question: "Is the implementation of the multimodal strategy effective in health professionals compliance with Hand Hygiene and can it be sustained over time?". The MEDLINE, SCOPUS, LILACS and CINAHL databases were used to retrieve the primary articles. Results: Twenty-five studies were analyzed. Among the components of the multimodal strategy, three need to be better worked: health education, feedback from practices and management involvement. Although it needs to focus more on its five elements, interventions based on the multimodal strategy have favored HH compliance and its long-term sustainability. Conclusion: The strategy proved to be effective for HH compliance, especially when all integrating components are adequately addressed.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar, a partir de la literatura, la eficacia de la implementación de la estrategia multimodal en la adhesión de los profesionales de salud a la Higiene de las Manos y su sostenibilidad a lo largo del tiempo. Método: Revisión integradora, para responder a la siguiente pregunta: "¿La implementación de la estrategia multimodal es eficaz en la adhesión de los profesionales de la salud a la Higiene de las Manos y puede ser sostenida a lo largo del tiempo?" Se utilizaron las bases de datos MEDLINE, SCOPUS, LILCAS y CINAHL para recuperar los artículos primarios. Resultados: Se analizaron 25 estudios. Entre los componentes de la estrategia multimodal, tres necesitan ser mejor trabajados: educación en salud, feedback de prácticas e involucramiento de la gestión. Aunque necesite un mayor enfoque de sus cinco elementos, las intervenciones basadas en la estrategia multimodal favorecieron la adhesión a la HM y su sostenibilidad a largo plazo. Conclusión: La estrategia se mostró eficaz en la adhesión a la HM, en particular cuando todos los componentes integradores están adecuadamente contemplados.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar, a partir da literatura, a eficácia da implementação da estratégia multimodal para adesão dos profissionais de saúde à Higiene das Mãos e sua sustentabilidade ao longo do tempo. Método: Revisão integrativa, com vistas a responder a seguinte questão: "A implementação da estratégia multimodal é eficaz na adesão dos profissionais de saúde à Higiene das Mãos e pode ser sustentada ao longo do tempo?". Utilizaram-se as bases de dados MEDLINE, SCOPUS, LILACS e CINAHL para recuperar os artigos primários. Resultados: Foram analisados 25 estudos. Dentre os componentes da estratégia multimodal, três precisam ser melhor trabalhados: educação em saúde, feedback de práticas e envolvimento da gestão. Embora necessite maior enfoque dos seus cinco elementos, as intervenções baseadas na estratégia multimodal favoreceram a adesão à HM e sua sustentabilidade em longo prazo. Conclusão: A estratégia se mostrou eficaz para adesão à HM, em especial, quando todos componentes integradores são adequadamente contemplados.

Infrastructure for hand hygiene in a teaching hospital. / Infraestrutura para higienização das mãos em um hospital universitário.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hospital infrastructure and the knowledge of the coordinators about the unit structure for hand hygiene. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional design study carried out in a teaching hospital in the South of Brazil, in the period between December 2016 and January 2017. Eighteen inpatient care units were evaluated, and 16 coordinators were interviewed. We used the questionnaire of the World Health Organization multimodal strategy on the structure of the units for hand hygiene. It was used descriptive statistics. RESULTS: All the units had alcohol-based sanitizers, and 93.8% of the dispensers were substituted when they got empty. The difficulties observed were the lack of illustrating posters, the location of sinks and dispensers of alcohol-based hand sanitizers in some nursing infirmarys, and the fact that there were few dispensers at hand reach near the patient's bed. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that there were protocols for hand hygiene, and professionals were instructed about it. There were gaps in the inpatient units, such as the presence of inadequate sinks and taps.

Train-the-Trainers in hand hygiene: a standardized approach to guide education in infection prevention and control.

BACKGROUND: Harmonization in hand hygiene training for infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals is lacking. We describe a standardized approach to training, using a "Train-the-Trainers" (TTT) concept for IPC professionals and assess its impact on hand hygiene knowledge in six countries. METHODS: We developed a three-day simulation-based TTT course based on the World Health Organization (WHO) Multimodal Hand Hygiene Improvement Strategy. To evaluate its impact, we have performed a pre-and post-course knowledge questionnaire. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the results before and after training. RESULTS: Between June 2016 and January 2018 we conducted seven TTT courses in six countries: Iran, Malaysia, Mexico, South Africa, Spain and Thailand. A total of 305 IPC professionals completed the programme. Participants included nurses (n = 196; 64.2%), physicians (n = 53; 17.3%) and other health professionals (n = 56; 18.3%). In total, participants from more than 20 countries were trained. A significant (p < 0.05) improvement in knowledge between the pre- and post-TTT training phases was observed in all countries. Puebla (Mexico) had the highest improvement (22.3%; p < 0.001), followed by Malaysia (21.2%; p < 0.001), Jalisco (Mexico; 20.2%; p < 0.001), Thailand (18.8%; p < 0.001), South Africa (18.3%; p < 0.001), Iran (17.5%; p < 0.001) and Spain (9.7%; p = 0.047). Spain had the highest overall test scores, while Thailand had the lowest pre- and post-scores. Positive aspects reported included: unique learning environment, sharing experiences, hands-on practices on a secure environment and networking among IPC professionals. Sustainability was assessed through follow-up evaluations conducted in three original TTT course sites in Mexico (Jalisco and Puebla) and in Spain: improvement was sustained in the last follow-up phase when assessed 5 months, 1 year and 2 years after the first TTT course, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The TTT in hand hygiene model proved to be effective in enhancing participant's knowledge, sharing experiences and networking. IPC professionals can use this reference training method worldwide to further disseminate knowledge to other health care workers.