Assessment of hand hygiene practices among health care providers in a government tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Hand hygiene practices either by hand rub by disinfectant or hand washing by soap and water are very important for preventing Health care-associated infections (HCAIs). WHO have devised guidelines for hand rub and hand wash and advocated “My five moments for hand hygiene” as the approach for appropriate performance, teaching and evaluation of hand hygiene. The objective of this study is to observe hand hygiene practices, among health care providers in a tertiary care govt. hospital and document facilities available at the point of patient care for hand hygiene practices.Methods: A cross sectional observation study was conducted  in 8 departments of a Government Tertiary care Hospital for observation of hand hygiene practices as Per WHO Guideline on “5 Moment of Care”. Total of 600 observations were made and one Health care provider was observed once at a point of time. Data Entry was done in MS excel and was analysed in Open Epi software.Results: Among 600 moments observed, 354 (59%) moments were those where hand hygiene practices were missed by HCPs. Among various HCPs 63% Doctors, 62% Nurses, 52% Medical students and 59% nursing students missed the hand hygiene practices. Lack of antimicrobial soap, alcohol based agents, sterile towel and hand drier were perceived barriers for hand hygiene Practices.Conclusions: There lies a huge gap in practice of hand hygiene among all cadres of health care providers. The study is able to identify the lack of infrastructure which can be improved to promote hand hygiene in wards.