We hypothesized that by improving hand hygiene compliance in the operative environment, we would reduce horizontal transmission of pathogenic bacteria to surgical patients.
We performed an observational study evaluating provider adherence to these techniques. We then sought to increase hand hygiene compliance through the use of a point of care alcohol based hand hygiene device. We hypothesized that increased hand hygiene compliance would reduce bacterial contamination of the anesthesia workspace and peripheral intravenous tubing, and ultimately reducing overall morbidity and mortality secondary to a reduction in nosocomial infection rates.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
114
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States
The presence of a positive culture on the previously sterile patient stopcock set, and the presence of multidrug resistant bacteria
Time frame: Beginning and end of surgical case
Reduction of bacterial contamination on predetermined sites on the anesthesia machine
Time frame: Beginning and End of Surgical Case
Decreased length of stay
Time frame: Postoperatively
Nosocomial infection rates
Time frame: within 30 days postoperatively
Mortality
Time frame: Within 30 days postoperatively
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