Application of the behaviour-centred design to understand facilitators and deterrents of hand hygiene among healthcare providers: findings from a formative phase of a cluster randomised trial in the Kampala Metropolitan area.

BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene is known to reduce healthcare-associated infections. However, it remains suboptimal among healthcare providers. In this study, we used the Behaviour-centered Design approach to explore the facilitators and deterrents to hand hygiene among healthcare providers in the Kampala Metropolitan area, Uganda. METHODS: We conducted a formative qualitative study as part of a cluster randomised trial in 19 healthcare facilities (HCFs). The study used 19 semi-structured and 18 key informant interviews to collect data on hand hygiene status and facilitators and deterrents of hand hygiene. Research assistants transcribed verbatim and used a thematic framework aided by Nvivo 14.0. to undertake analysis. We used thick descriptions and illustrative quotes to enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of our findings. RESULTS: About 47.4% of the HCFs had sufficient hand hygiene infrastructure, and 57.9% did not report total compliance with hand hygiene during patient care. The physical facilitator for hand hygiene was the presence of constant reminders such as nudges, while the biological included the frequency of patient contact and the nature of clinical work. The only biological deterrent was the heavy workload in HCFs. The executive brain facilitators included knowledge of workplace health risks, infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines, and a positive attitude. A negative attitude was the executive brain deterrent to hand hygiene. Recognition, rewards, and fear of infections were the only motivated brain facilitators. Behavioural setting facilitators included proximity to functional hand hygiene infrastructure, the existence of active IPC committees, good leadership, and the availability of a budget for hand hygiene supplies. Behavioural setting deterrents included the non-functionality and non-proximity to hand hygiene infrastructure and inadequate supplies. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed low compliance with hand hygiene during the critical moments of patient care and inadequacy of hand hygiene infrastructure. The deterrents to hand hygiene included a heavy workload, negative attitude, inadequate supplies, non-functionality, and long distance to hand washing stations. Facilitators included constant reminders, fear of infections, frequency of patient contact and nature of clinical work, positive attitude, knowledge of IPC guidelines, recognition and reward, good leadership, availability of budgets for hand hygiene supplies, availability and proximity to hand hygiene supplies and infrastructure and active IPC committees. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Registry with number ISRCTN98148144. The trial was registered on 23/11/2020.

Digital health literacy, behavior and knowledge of adolescents for hand hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: to investigate factors associated with digital health literacy, hand hygiene knowledge and behavior among Brazilian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: cross-sectional study with 473 adolescents aged 15 to 19. Data were collected virtually between June and August 2021 through a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, digital health literacy, knowledge and behavior regarding hand hygiene. Variables were adjusted using multiple linear regression models with normal response. RESULTS: the average digital health literacy score was 29.89 ±5.30; for hand hygiene knowledge and behavior was 13.1 ±1.5 and 11.1±2.7, respectively. Higher knowledge and behavior scores for hand hygiene were associated with having completed high school, compared to those attending college, among those who attend health courses, seek information about the pandemic and in scientific articles. Higher digital health literacy scores in adolescents who did not wear masks when playing sports (p= 0.017). There was an association between digital health literacy and knowledge (p = 0.000) and behavior (p = 0.000) regarding hand hygiene. CONCLUSION: there is an association between higher digital health literacy scores and hand hygiene knowledge and behavior.

The Effect of Simulation-Based Training on the Hand Hygiene Knowledge and Practices of Palliative Caregivers: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Single-Center Study.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of simulation-based training on hand hygiene knowledge and practices among palliative caregivers. The study was conducted with 60 caregivers in a palliative care clinic between December 2022 and September 2023. The participants were divided into two groups by simple randomization. The intervention and control groups received the same hand hygiene theoretical education and demonstration. The intervention group also received additional simulation-based hand hygiene practices recommended by the World Health Organization. A pretest-posttest design was used to assess hand hygiene knowledge and practices. Data were collected with personal information, hand hygiene knowledge, and hand hygiene practice forms. Analysis of covariance was performed to compare posttest scores between the groups. Simulation-based hand hygiene training programs offer an effective and feasible strategy to improve the hand hygiene knowledge and practices of caregivers. It should be integrated into clinical areas to increase palliative caregivers' hand hygiene knowledge and practices. Evidence-based practices can be improved by increasing randomized controlled studies on the effectiveness of simulation-based hand hygiene training for caregivers. Trial Registration: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with registration number NCT05848596.

Determinants of hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers in intensive care units: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Practicing hand hygiene is a cost-effective method to decrease the occurrence of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). However, despite their simplicity, adhering to hand hygiene methods among healthcare workers (HCWs) can be highly challenging. We aim to examine the factors influencing hand hygiene compliance as perceived by HCWs working in the intensive care units (ICUs) at several major hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHOD: This qualitative study was conducted by adopting a content analysis to examine the interviews of HCWs who are currently working in the ICUs of various major hospitals located in the capital city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: We interviewed 49 HCWs working in ICUs, with an average age of 38 and 8 years of experience. The HCWs comprised doctors (n = 12), anesthesiologists (n = 6), and nurses (n = 31). There were 34 females and 15 males among the participants. Our analysis revealed several factors that impact hand hygiene compliance, including individual, work/environment, team, task, patient, organizational, and management concerns. Several obstacles and possibilities for enhancement have been identified. CONCLUSION: The results of this study would enhance our comprehension of hand hygiene practices and serve as a foundation for creating future strategies and assessment methods to enhance compliance with hand hygiene protocols in ICUs.

Indication-based and patient-based hand hygiene performance among nurses working at a university hospital.

The traditional method of monitoring hand hygiene (HH) based on specific indications does not ensure that HH is performed for all required indications during patient care. This study aimed to compare HH performance rates (HHPRs) based on specific indications versus overall patient care among nurses at a university hospital. The study retrospectively analyzed HH monitoring data for 1398 indications from 543 patients and 190 nurses. Observations were conducted continuously, tracking a single healthcare worker from before patient contact until the end of the contact within a 30-min period. The indication-based HHPR was found to be 89.1%, while the patient-based HHPR was 78.1%. In the context of patient-based HHPR, the lowest rates were observed among nurses in the emergency room (48.3%) and those with less than 1 year of work experience (66.7%). Moreover, the largest discrepancy between indication-based and patient-based HHPR was noted among emergency room nurses with less than 1 year of experience. This significant difference underscores the need for patient-based HH monitoring, particularly for nurses in emergency settings and those with limited experience.

Trends in the hand hygiene practices using alcohol-based hand rubs in Japanese hospitals before and after the novel coronavirus pandemic: an observational study using national surveillance data.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a global concern in healthcare facilities, and hand hygiene (HH) using alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) is fundamentally crucial for their prevention. While previous studies report improvements in HH compliance amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the real situation in Japanese medical settings remains unclear. METHODS: This observational study sought data from the Japanese national surveillance, focusing on ABHR use in hospitals before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were retrieved from facilities certified to receive the Additional Healthcare Reimbursements for Infection Prevention and Control I. The study spanned five years (2019-2023), segmented quarterly, and employed Joinpoint regression analysis to assess the annual percentage change (APC). RESULTS: Overall, ABHR use per patient per day significantly increased both in critical care units and general wards amid the pandemic. However, the APC in the critical care units demonstrated a downward trend from Q4 of 2021 to Q1 of 2023, and ABHR use in general wards remained below the amount of WHO recommendations. CONCLUSION: This trend analysis highlighted recent patterns of ABHR use in Japanese hospitals by comparing pre- and post-COVID-19 periods. Although increases in ABHR use were observed over time, sustained efforts to promote HH compliance are necessary, particularly in general wards.

Is there a relationship between nurses' hand hygiene beliefs, practices and ethical sensitivity?

BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene is the most important way to prevent health care-associated infections. It is important for all nurses that come in physical contact with patients the most to follow hand hygiene rules. AIM: This study aimed to determine the relationship between nurses' hand hygiene beliefs and practices and their ethical sensitivity. METHOD: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with nurses working in internal medicine, surgery and intensive care clinics of a university hospital between June and August 2022. A total of 350 nurses participated in the study. A Personal Information Form, the Ethical Sensitivity Questionnaire (ESQ), the Hand Hygiene Practice Inventory (HHPI), and the Hand Hygiene Beliefs Scale (HHBS) were used for data collection. RESULTS: Findings support that nurses have moderate ethical sensitivity (88.36 ± 26.33), good hand hygiene beliefs (85.60 ± 9.21) and practice (66.14 ± 5.90). Despite there being no statistical significance in evaluating the relationship between hand hygiene practice and ethical sensitivity (p = 0.253, r = -0.061), there was a statically significant inverse relationship between hand hygiene beliefs and ethical sensitivity (p = 0.001, r = -0.172). The hand hygiene compliance score of the nurses who received only ethics training after nursing school (p = 0.000); the hand hygiene belief (p = 0.011) and hand hygiene practice (p = 0.007) scores of those who received both ethics and hand hygiene training were higher. CONCLUSIONS: It can be said that the ethical sensitivity of nurses does not affect their hand hygiene practices, and the hand hygiene and ethics education they receive after school education increases their hand hygiene beliefs and practices.

Hand hygiene compliance of respiratory physiotherapists: An analysis of trends over eight years including the COVID-19 pandemic period.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory physiotherapists (RPs) are an integral part of healthcare workers delivering care to intubated patients. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of awareness campaigns on hand hygiene (HH) compliance among RPs. METHOD: An observational single-center study was conducted between 2015 and 2022 in different ICU types in both adult and paediatric settings. The hand hygiene compliance rates were monitored prospectively and the quality improvement interventions included various hand hygiene campaigns and awareness sessions with RPs. Compliance was calculated as a percentage of events over total opportunities observed. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in compliance rates for all five moments of HH (p-value: <0.05). Overall, mean compliance rate in ICUs was significantly higher than wards for Moment 1 (p-value: 0.0045), Moment 4 (p-value: 0.0372) and Moment 5 (p-value: 0.0036) by 24.2%, 22.7% and 21.5% respectively. Also, paediatric ICUs had higher HH compliance than adult ICUs for Moment 1 (87.5% vs 61.1%; p-value: 0.0459) and Moment 4 (93.7% vs 79.3%; p-value: 0.0255). A significant increase in HH compliance was observed in post-COVID-19 period compared to pre-COVID-19 period with respect to Moment 1, 2 and 5. CONCLUSION: This study adds to the almost non-existent literature on this important category of healthcare workers working in respiratory ICUs. Our results project an increase compliance after the HH awareness programmes over the years among RP which is critical to prevent spread infection by multidrug resistant organisms among the hospitals.

Compliance of healthcare workers in a psychiatric inpatient ward to infection control practices during the COVID-19 pandemic: a participant observation study supplemented with a self-reported survey.

BACKGROUND: As an emerging infectious disease with a heterogenous and uncertain transmission pattern, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created a catastrophe in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and posed a significant challenge to infection control practices (ICPs) in healthcare settings. While the unique characteristics of psychiatric patients and clinical settings may make the implementation of ICPs difficult, evidence is lacking for compliance with ICPs among healthcare workers (HCWs) in a psychiatric setting during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional multi-method study based on participant unobtrusive observation coupled with the completion of a self-administered ICP survey was conducted to assess compliance with ICPs among HCWs in a psychiatric inpatient ward in a regional hospital. An online checklist, called eRub, was used to record the performance of HCWs in hand hygiene (HH) and other essential ICPs. Furthermore, a well-validated questionnaire (i.e., Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale, CSPS) was used to collect the participants' self-reported ICP compliance for later comparison. RESULTS: A total of 2,670 ICP opportunities were observed from January to April 2020. The overall compliance rate was 42.6%. HCWs exhibited satisfactory compliance to the wearing of mask (91.2%) and the handling of clinical waste (87.5%); suboptimal compliance to the handling of sharp objects (67.7%) and linen (72.7%); and poor compliance to HH (3.3%), use of gloves (40.9%), use of personal protective equipment (20%), and disinfection of used surface/area (0.4%). The compliance rates of the nurses and support staff to HH were significantly different (χ2 = 123.25, p < 0.001). In the self-reported survey, the overall compliance rate for ICPs was 64.6%. CONCLUSION: The compliance of HCWs in a psychiatric inpatient ward to ICPs during the COVID-19 pandemic ranged from poor to suboptimal. This result was alarming. Revisions of current ICP guidelines and policies that specifically target barriers in psychiatric settings will be necessary.

Hand Hygiene Education Components Among First-Year Nursing Students: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Few studies have directly and objectively measured the individual and combined effects of multifaceted hand hygiene education programs. Objective: To evaluate the individual and combined immediate effects of an instructional video and hand scan images on handwashing quality, decontamination, and knowledge improvement. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cluster randomized clinical trial was conducted in June to July 2023 among first-year nursing students at a university in Hong Kong. The study used an intention-to-treat analysis. Intervention: Hand hygiene education sessions featuring an instructional video, hand scan images, or both. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the change in residue from fluorescent lotion remaining on participants' hands after handwashing before and after the intervention. The secondary outcomes included handwashing quality and knowledge of hand hygiene. Results: A total of 270 of 280 students (mean [SD] age, 19 [1] years; 182 [67.4%] female) participated in the trial (96.4% participation rate). Participants were randomized to a control group (66 participants), hand scan image group (68 participants), instructional video group (67 participants), and hand scan image with instructional video group (69 participants). All intervention groups had greater reductions in residue after the intervention compared with the control group, although none reached statistical significance (hand scan image group: 3.9 [95% CI, 2.0-5.8] percentage points; instructional video group: 4.8 [95% CI, 2.9-6.7] percentage points; hand scan image with instructional video: 3.5 [95% CI, 1.6-5.4] percentage points; control group: 3.2 [95% CI, 1.3-5.2] percentage points). The instructional video group showed a significant improvement in their handwashing performance, with a higher percentage of participants correctly performing all 7 steps compared with the control group (22.4% [95% CI, 13.1% to 31.6%] vs 1.5% [-7.9% to 10.9%]; P < .001). Hand scan images revealed that wrists, fingertips, and finger webs were the most commonly ignored areas in handwashing. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cluster randomized clinical trial of an education program for hand hygiene, a handwashing instructional video and hand scan images did not enhance the level of decontamination. The intervention group had improved handwashing techniques compared with the control group, a secondary outcome. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05872581.

Quality improvement initiative 'S-A-F-H' to reduce healthcare-associated neonatal sepsis in a tertiary neonatal care unit.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among admitted neonates. Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) is a significant contributor in this cohort. LOCAL PROBLEM: In our unit, 16.1% of the admissions developed sepsis during their stay in the unit. METHOD: We formed a team of all stakeholders to address the issue. The problem was analysed using various tools, and the main contributing factor was low compliance with hand hygiene and handling of intravenous lines. INTERVENTIONS: The scrub the hub/aseptic non-touch technique/five moments of hand hygiene/hand hygiene (S-A-F-H) protocol was formulated as a quality improvement initiative, and various interventions were done to ensure compliance with hand hygiene, five moments of hand hygiene, aseptic non-touch technique. The data were collected and analysed regularly with the team members, and actions were planned accordingly. RESULTS: Over a few months, the team could reduce the incidence of HAI by 50%, which has been sustained for over a year. The improvement in compliance with the various aspects of S-A-F-H increased. CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with hand hygiene steps, five moments of hand hygiene and an aseptic non-touch technique using quality improvement methodology led to a reduction in neonatal sepsis incidence in the unit. Regular reinforcement is required to maintain awareness of asepsis practices and implementation in day-to-day care and to bring about behavioural changes.

Compliance and adherence to hand hygiene practices for effective infection control.

Hand hygiene (HH) is the most effective way to curb the spread of healthcare-associated infections. Nonetheless, healthcare personnel encounter difficulties in adhering to WHO HH recommendations. This study aimed to investigate HH compliance and adherence after the implementation of an action plan in a municipal hospital in Moscow. An initial evaluation of HH compliance among clinical health workers was carried out in June 2022 according to the WHO HH guidelines followed by a 3-month re-audit of HH practices. The results were compared to the baseline to evaluate compliance and adherence to HH among healthcare personnel. From June to September 2022, there were 2,732 moments of contact with patients or their immediate surroundings. The HH total compliance rate significantly (p < 0.05) increased from 52.3% in June 2022 to 83.3% in September 2022 with a 75% overall total compliance rate. The profession-specific total compliance rate was highest among nurses (79.6%) and lowest among ancillary staff (69.7%). Staff were also more adherent to the before-moments compared to the after-moments of the HH guidelines. Monthly re-audits and providing feedback resulted in a significant improvement in compliance and adherence with HH guidelines after implementation of the action plan.

Effectiveness of infection prevention and control interventions in health care facilities in Africa: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are a major threat to patient safety and quality care. However, they are avoidable by implementing evidence-based infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. This review evaluated the evidence of the effectiveness of IPC interventions in reducing rates of HAIs in health care settings in Africa. METHODS: We searched several databases: CENTRAL, EMBASE, PUBMED, CINAHL, WHO IRIS, and AJOL for primary studies reporting rates of the 4 most frequent HAIs: surgical site infections, central line--associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, ventilator-associated pneumoniae, and increase in hand hygiene compliance. Two reviewers appraised the studies and PRISMA guidelines were followed. RESULTS: Out of 4,624 studies identified from databases and additional sources, 15 studies were finally included in the review. The majority of studies were of pre- and post-test study design. All the studies implemented a combination of interventions and not as stand-alone components. Across all included studies, an improvement was reported in at least 1 primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our review highlights the potential of IPC interventions in reducing HAIs and improving compliance with hand hygiene in health care facilities in Africa. For future research, we recommend more pragmatic study designs with improved methodological rigor.

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.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Infrastructure and Resources in Schools in Belize during the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2021-2023.

Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) resources in schools is critical for disease prevention and control, especially during public health emergencies. In Belize, systematic, national data on WASH in schools are needed to inform public health decisions and interventions. From December 2021 to January 2022, a national survey was sent electronically to government and government-aided primary and secondary schools in Belize (N = 308) to gather information on WASH services. From the survey, 12 pilot schools were selected based on the highest self-reported need for WASH resources to participate in additional evaluation and intervention, which included environmental nudges, supplemental supply provision, and hand hygiene education. To understand how the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced hand hygiene, facility assessments to evaluate access to hand hygiene resources were conducted in person when most schools reopened for face-to-face learning during the pandemic (March 2022) and 15 months later (June 2023). Among the schools participating in the national survey (N = 221), 55% reported times when water was not available at the schools. Almost 9 in 10 schools (89%) had a functional handwashing station, and 47% reported always having soap for handwashing. Between baseline and follow-up at the 12 pilot schools, we observed decreases in the proportion of functional handwashing access points (-11%), functional handwashing access points accessible for individuals with disabilities (-17%) and small children (-29%), and functional alcohol-based hand rub dispensers (-13%). Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we observed gaps in WASH resources in schools in Belize during the onsite assessments at the pilot schools. Schools should be encouraged and provided with WASH resources to maintain vigilance for disease control measures.

Impact of COVID-19 on the degree of compliance with hand hygiene: a repeated cross-sectional study.

Hand hygiene (HH) is the paramount measure used to prevent healthcare-associated infections. A repeated cross-sectional study was undertaken with direct observation of the degree of compliance on HH of healthcare personnel during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Between, 2018-2019, 9,083 HH opportunities were considered, and 5,821 in 2020-2022. Chi squared tests were used to identify associations. The crude and adjusted odds ratios were used along with a logistic regression model for statistical analyses. Compliance on HH increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 54.5% (95% CI: 53.5, 55.5) to 70.1% (95% CI: 68.9, 71.2) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase was observed in four of the five key moments of HH established by the World Health Organization (WHO) (p < 0.05), except at moment 4. The factors that were significantly and independently associated with compliance were the time period considered, type of healthcare-personnel, attendance at training sessions, knowledge of HH and WHO guidelines, and availability of hand disinfectant alcoholic solution in pocket format. Highest HH compliance occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting a positive change in healthcare-personnel's behaviour regarding HH recommendations.

Nursing students led simulations to improve healthcare workers' hand hygiene compliance.

BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene compliance (HHC) is recognised as a major factor in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections. Healthcare workers (HCWs) compliance is still suboptimal. Simulation as an educational strategy may contribute to improved performance. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effect of simulation interventions led by nursing students on HCWs' HHC. METHOD: A prospective quasi-experimental design with before and after intervention measurements was implemented in an 1150-bed tertiary hospital. Four consecutive periods, measuring before and after HHC, were examined in four hospital divisions. For each division, unique simulation activities were developed and led by nursing students, educators, and hospital leaders. Sixty seven students and 286 healthcare workers, along with two nurse educators, participated in the simulation sessions. HHC of all HCWs in the divisions was assessed by hospital infection control personnel. RESULTS: Hospital HHC rose across the four periods in all four divisions during this study. In three out of four periods and divisions, HHC increased significantly more in the simulation intervention groups compared to the overall hospital improvement. CONCLUSION: Student-led simulation for HCWs is an additional effective method to improve HHC. Nursing managers should consider joining forces with nursing educators to enable students to become agents of change in healthcare settings and encourage further collaboration.

Effectiveness of hand hygiene campaigns and interventions across the League of Arab States: a region-wide scoping review.

Hand hygiene is a standard public health practice for limiting the spread of infectious diseases, yet they are still not routine global health behaviours. This review aimed to examine the effectiveness of various hand hygiene interventions conducted across the League of Arab States, identify gaps in the existing literature, and propose areas for future research and intervention development. A scoping review was conducted across 16 databases for relevant publications published up to and including October 2023. Forty studies met the inclusion criteria; of these, 34 were hospital-based and six community-based. Of the reviewed studies, 24 provided adequate details that would enable replication of their intervention. Eighteen of the studies used some variation of the World Health Organization's Five Moments for intervention content or assessment. More than half (N = 25) reported healthcare worker or student hand hygiene behaviours as an outcome and 15 studies also included some form of patient-centred outcomes. Six studies specified the use of theory or framework for their evaluation design or intervention content, and four studies mentioned use of local government guidelines or recommendations. Future research should focus on bridging the literature gaps by emphasizing community-based studies and integrating cultural nuances into intervention designs. Additionally, applying theoretical frameworks to hand hygiene studies could enhance understanding and effectiveness, ensuring sustainable improvements in hygiene practices across diverse settings in the League of Arab States.

Hand hygiene compliance in nursing home wards: the effect of increased accessibility of alcohol-based hand rub.

BACKGROUND: Elderly nursing home residents are vulnerable to infection from micro-organisms. Hand hygiene is considered one of the most important measures to prevent transmission. AIM: To determine the effect of increased accessibility to alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) in nursing home wards by monitoring hand hygiene compliance (HHC) among healthcare workers (HCWs). METHODS: An 11-month intervention study was conducted in a Danish six-ward nursing home. Data were collected using an automatic hand hygiene monitoring system (AHHMS). After a baseline period, one extra ABHR dispenser was placed in each of the 150 apartments. Baseline HHC was compared with the HHC during an immediate intervention period and a long-term intervention period. FINDINGS: A total of 159 HCWs were included. The AHHMS registered 341,078 hand hygiene opportunities. Overall baseline HHC was 31% (95% confidence interval: 30-32). A significant +18% absolute immediate effect (first five months) (95% CI: 17-19; P < 0.0001) and +13 percentage points (95% CI: 11-14; P < 0.0001) long-term effect (another four months) were recorded. HCWs working day shifts and short-term employees had a higher baseline HHC than HCWs working evening/night shifts. However, HCWs working night shifts achieved the greatest long-term effect with a mean +27 percentage point difference (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Placing an additional ABHR dispenser strategically within staff workflow significantly increased HHC among HCWs, demonstrating a noteworthy effect. The study is the first to report the effect on nursing home dispenser accessibility as a single intervention and to show a significant unmet potential.