Nathanael Cc Lucas1, Carl G Hume1, Abdal Al-Chanati1, William Diprose1, Sally Roberts2, Josh Freeman2, Vernon Mogol3, David Hoskins4, Richard Hamblin5, Chris Frampton6, Warwick Bagg7, Alan F Merry8. 1. School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland. 2. Microbiology Department, LabPlus, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland. 3. Medical Programme Directorate, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland. 4. School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland. 5. Health Quality & Safety Commission, Wellington. 6. Department of Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Otago, Christchurch. 7. Medical Programme Directorate, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, Auckland City Hospital, Grafton, Auckland. 8. School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, Auckland City Hospital, Grafton, Auckland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene is important in reducing healthcare-associated infections. The World Health Organization has defined 'five moments' when hand hygiene compliance is required. During 2013, New Zealand national data showed poor compliance with these moments by medical students. AIM: To improve medical students' compliance with the five moments. METHODS: In this prospective student-led quality improvement initiative, student investigators developed, implemented and evaluated a multi-modal intervention comprising a three-month social media campaign, a competition and an entertaining educational video. Data on individual patient-medical student interactions were collected covertly by observers at baseline and at one week, six weeks and three months after initiation of the intervention. RESULTS: During the campaign, compliance improved in moment 2, but not significantly in moments 1, 3, 4 or 5. Statistical analysis of amalgamated data was limited by non-independent data points-a consideration apparently not always addressed in previous studies. CONCLUSIONS: The initiative produced improvements in compliance by medical students with one hand hygiene moment. Statistical analysis of amalgamated data for all five moments should allow for the non-independence of each occasion in which clinicians interact with a patient. More work is needed to ensure excellent hand hygiene practices of future doctors.
BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene is important in reducing healthcare-associated infections. The World Health Organization has defined 'five moments' when hand hygiene compliance is required. During 2013, New Zealand national data showed poor compliance with these moments by medical students. AIM: To improve medical students' compliance with the five moments. METHODS: In this prospective student-led quality improvement initiative, student investigators developed, implemented and evaluated a multi-modal intervention comprising a three-month social media campaign, a competition and an entertaining educational video. Data on individual patient-medical student interactions were collected covertly by observers at baseline and at one week, six weeks and three months after initiation of the intervention. RESULTS: During the campaign, compliance improved in moment 2, but not significantly in moments 1, 3, 4 or 5. Statistical analysis of amalgamated data was limited by non-independent data points-a consideration apparently not always addressed in previous studies. CONCLUSIONS: The initiative produced improvements in compliance by medical students with one hand hygiene moment. Statistical analysis of amalgamated data for all five moments should allow for the non-independence of each occasion in which clinicians interact with a patient. More work is needed to ensure excellent hand hygiene practices of future doctors.