Initiatives Multiply to Improve Hand Washing Standards
The Wall Street Journal reports (paid subscription required) how some hospitals get more aggressive to tackle the lack of adherence to handwashing standards which participates in spreading infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first published handwashing guidelines two decades ago but compliance still hovers at 50 percent or less in the US. More recently the CDC produced a how-to-guide in cooperation with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). This new program not only explains what to do, but recommends hospital management to back up education with strict goal setting, measurement of progress and rule enforcement.
Greenview Regional Hospital and the Medical Center in Bowling Green, KY, began identifying staff members violating hand-hygiene rules years ago. After educating them on this issue, repeat offenders faced disciplinary action or even dismissal. Compliance rates are now close at 85 percent and more. Other facilities monitor employees - though that is not always an easy or popular thing to do - or take simple steps such as making sure they select alcohol hand rubs that minimize irritation.
April 5, 2006 Related topics: Hygiene & Cleanliness