The validation study used 24-hour video surveillance recordings of the hospital stays of 26 patients to measure the actual number of hand hygiene opportunities per patient day in a large teaching hospital.
Researchers collected 1,510.8 hours of data, resulting in 4,522 hand hygiene opportunities. When the validation study was compared with the HOW2 Benchmark Study, it was found that the mean and median hand hygiene opportunities per 24-hour period did not differ significantly.
Thus, the study validates the HOW2 Benchmark Study and confirms expected numbers of hand hygiene can be estimated from the unit’s patient census and patient-to-nurse ratio. The data can be used as denominators in calculations of hand hygiene compliance rates from electronic monitoring using the “Five Moments for Hand Hygiene” methodology, noted the study authors.
More Articles on Quality:
Despite Guidelines, Antibiotics Prescribed at High Rate for Bronchitis
New Pathogen-Identification Method Leads to Cost Savings: Study
Kaiser South Sacramento Patients Potentially Exposed to Whooping Cough
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
