Miss Grace Babiano1, Ms. Jenny Stackelroth1, Ms. Deborah Morris1
1Mater, South Brisbane, Australia
Biography:
Grace is currently a clinical nurse in Infection Management at Mater Health in Brisbane. She has been in this role for two years, with experience in the management of patients with transmissible infectious diseases, provision of staff education on numerous topics, and implementing quality improvement initiatives in response to audits and surveillance. Career highlights include assisting with COVID-19 vaccination clinics, coordinating projects such as the respiratory precautions trial, REACH trial, and consumer engagement of hand hygiene stickers project, completing her graduate certificate in infection prevention and control, and commencing her masters in public health.
Abstract:
Background
Improving hand hygiene (HH) compliance among healthcare workers (HCWs) has urged infection control practitioners to become true innovators. In our facilities, a wall sticker was positioned close to patients’ beds for easy viewing. The sticker – “It’s OK to ask our staff have you cleaned your hands?” targeted patients and intended to empower them to play an active role in their care. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the stickers by engaging a consumer representative.
Method
Between March and June 2024, our consumer interviewed inpatients using a standardised questionnaire to identify attitudes and barriers towards patients advocating for HH. Data was collected using Microsoft (MS) Forms and analysed using MS Excel.
Results
A total of 104 inpatients were interviewed with 38% over 65 years, and 66% were female. Length of hospital stay was identified with 52% of participants an inpatient for 1-4 weeks. Out of the 104 inpatients, 72% noticed the sticker, 1% asked a HCW if they had performed HH, and 60% felt comfortable to speak up if required. Of those 40% that did not feel comfortable, common reasons included staff shouldn’t have to be reminded, or feelings of discomfort preventing them from speaking up.
Conclusion
Using a consumer, patients feel more comfortable disclosing their hospital experience leading to true account of staff practices. Preliminary results demonstrate success of patient empowered HH using a sticker relies on patient beliefs and attitudes. The use of a consumer has been invaluable in revealing further approaches to improving HH.