This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal hand hygiene improvement strategy, enhanced with information technology (IT), in reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in nursing homes. The goal is to improve infection prevention practices and promote a safer environment for older adults living in long-term care facilities.
Hand hygiene is a key strategy for preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), yet compliance among healthcare workers remains suboptimal due to knowledge gaps, limited resources, unfamiliarity with procedures, and poor adherence. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of an IT-enhanced multimodal hand hygiene intervention in reducing HAIs within nursing homes, thereby improving infection control practices and promoting a safer environment for older adults in long-term care settings.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
91
The intervention, adapted from the WHO's multimodal strategy, incorporated IT-based components to enhance hand hygiene compliance. A one-time, 1-hour online education session via Google Meet covered the WHO's Five Moments and seven-step handwashing technique, with real-time feedback using fluorescent dye and UV light. Post-session videos were available on tablets for review. Visual reminders, such as screensavers and digital posters, reinforced learning. Smart sanitizer dispensers with seven-step lights and a 20-second countdown were installed at five key sites, RFID-linked to staff badges for automatic tracking. Monthly performance data were shared via bulletin boards and LINE, with SMS feedback to top and bottom performers. Daily audio reminders played at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and high performers were recognized in monthly meetings.
Kaohsiung Nursing Home
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
Pingtung Nursing Home
Pingtung City, Taiwan
Hand Hygiene Knowledge
Cognitive scores were obtained through a "Hand Hygiene Knowledge Questionnaire for Long-term Care Facility Workers" It comprised 15 items (12 true/false, 2 multiple-choice, 1 multiple-answer), awarding 1 point for each correct answer and 0 for incorrect or unsure response, with a total score ranging from 0 to 15. Higher scores indicated greater hand hygiene knowledge.
Time frame: 1 month
Hand hygiene Compliance Rates
Hand hygiene compliance data were collected using the "Hand Hygiene Compliance Rate and Behavior Inspection Checklist for Long-term Care Facility Workers"(%)
Time frame: 4 month
Hand hygiene Accuracy Rates
Hand hygiene Accuracy data were collected using the "Hand Hygiene Compliance Rate and Behavior Inspection Checklist for Long-term Care Facility Workers"(%)
Time frame: 4 month
Density of healthcare-associated infections
A facility's "density of HAI" followed Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (2012) guidelines(‰)
Time frame: 4 month
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