Increased hand hygiene compliance in nursing homes after a multimodal intervention: A cluster randomized controlled trial (HANDSOME)

Gwen R. Teesing*, Vicki Erasmus, Daan Nieboer, Mariska Petrignani, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Margreet C. Vos, Annette Verduijn-Leenman, Jos M. G. A. Schols, Jan H. Richardus, Helene A. C. M. Voeten

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of a multimodal intervention on hand hygiene compliance (HHC) in nursing homes. Design, setting, and participants: HHC was evaluated using direct, unobtrusive observation in a cluster randomized controlled trial at publicly funded nursing homes in the Netherlands. In total, 103 nursing home organizations were invited to participate; 18 organizations comprising 33 nursing homes (n = 66 nursing home units) participated in the study. Nursing homes were randomized into a control group (no intervention, n = 30) or an intervention group (multimodal intervention, n = 36). The primary outcome measure was HHC of nurses. HHC was appraised at baseline and at 4, 7, and 12 months after baseline. Observers and nurses were blinded. Intervention: Audits regarding hand hygiene (HH) materials and personal hygiene rules, 3 live lessons, an e-learning program, posters, and a photo contest. We used a new method to teach the nurses the WHO-defined 5 moments of HH:Room In, Room Out, Before Clean, andAfter Dirty. Results: HHC increased in both arms. The increase after 12 months was larger for units in the intervention arm (from 12% to 36%) than for control units (from 13% to 21%) (odds ratio [OR], 2.10; confidence interval [CI], 1.35-3.28). The intervention arm exhibited a statistically significant increase in HHC at 4 of the 5 WHO-defined HH moments. At follow-up, HHC in the intervention arm remained statistically significantly higher (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.59-2.34) for indications after an activity (from 37% to 39%) than for indications before an activity (from 14% to 27%). Conclusions: The HANDSOME intervention is successful in improving HHC in nursing homes.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberPII S0899823X20003190
Pages (from-to)1169-1177
Number of pages9
JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
Volume41
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2020

Keywords

  • TERM-CARE FACILITIES
  • ADHERENCE
  • STRATEGY
  • PROGRAM

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