9.6.2 Examination of nurses compliance with handwashing and glove use in relation to patient care activities in the post anaesthetic care unit (PACU) of an acute general hospital in Ireland (343)
Aileen Burton, College Lecturer, School of Nursign & Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland a.burton@ucc.ie
Abstract:
Background:
In today¡¦s healthcare environment litigation cases are frequent and the failure of healthcare staff to wash there hands is indefensible in this current climate. While numerous studies reveal that hospital acquired infection may be reduced by healthcare workers complying with hand washing guidelines, compliance levels rarely exceeds 50% (Pittet et al 1999).The PACU is an area of the hospital where intensity of patient care and the number of contacts between nursing staff and patients are high. There is a high throughput of patients and hence a big potential for cross infection.
Aims:
The study was meant to be pragmatic and constructive rather than simply to point out problems in PACU.
It was anticipated that the findings of this study would:
- Alert colleagues to where improvements in practice could be made
- Celebrate sound practice where observed „X Contribute to the prevention of hospital acquired infections
- Identify common mistakes in practice that can be countered when planning more effective education/training
Method:
A quantitative descriptive design was used incorporating a structured observation schedule with the researcher acting as a non participant but conversing observer. The concept of time sampling was used. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analysing the structured observation schedule. Qualitative data highlighted procedural aspects of hand washing and glove use which was content analysed in order to derive a series of thematic problems and best practices.
Results & conclusions
Results indicated poor compliance with hand washing and glove use(4.3% - 25%) which is similar to other studies (Pittet, 2003; Kim, 2003).However it is the qualitative data which adds to the body of knowledge on this topic as it revealed interesting descriptions on the characteristics of full, partial and non compliance and gives a greater understanding of the reasons why staff do not comply with recommended guidelines.
Recommended reading list:
- Pittet, D. Mourouga, Pl. Perneger, T. (1999).Compliance with hand washing in a teaching hospital. Annals of Internal Medicine, 130 (2)126-30
- Pittet, D. Stephan, F. Hugonnet, S. Akakpo, C. and Clergue, F. (2003). Hand cleansing during post-anaesthetic care. Anaesthesiology 99(3) 530-535
- Kim, PW. Roughmann, MC. Perencevich, EN. and Harris, AV. (2003). Rates of hand disinfection associated with glove use, patient isolation and changes between exposures to various body sites. American Journal of Infection Control 31(2)97-103
Source of Funding: N/A
Amount in Funding: N/A
Biography:
Aileen undertook her general nurse training with Cork Voluntary Hospitals (South Infirmary Victoria University and Mercy University Hospitals, Cork, Ireland). Clinical experience was consolidated in the peri-operative setting supported by a wide-range of experience gained in the critical care nursing arena incorporating accident & emergency, medical & surgical practice. Aileen completed her Bachelor of Nursing Studies at Dublin City University, Ireland and Master of Science in Nursing at the Royal College of Nursing, London, UK. She is presently working as a college lecturer in the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing & Midwifery, University College Cork, Ireland. Aileen teaches on the undergraduate nursing degree programme and also the postgraduate diploma in peri-operative nursing practice. Research interests include infection control, peri-operative nursing and diabetes.