Dr Marie Boden1
1The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
Biography:
Marie is a researcher from School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at The University of Queensland. Marie’s expertise is design of technology with a Human-Centred Focus and Design Thinking.
Abstract:
Statistics show that doctors have a lower rate of success in complying with moments of hand hygiene than nurses. Several studies have been made on this topic, but the problem is complex and what we refer to as a wicked problem.
In this project, we used Design Thinking methods to understand the underlying barriers to performing consistent hand hygiene. Our focus has been on surgeons on their ward rounds. We observed ward environments and interviewed surgeons to form an understanding of the existing problems in their daily routines. We organised Rapid Co-Design workshops with the surgeons to identify potential solutions to existing problems.
Our findings indicate that the different teams have a variety of preferred hand hygiene routines, and that the existing ward set ups do not efficiently accommodate that. There is a lack of clarity around the responsibilities of refilling hand hygiene stations, a vast cognitive overload on all medical staff, and motivations driving hand hygiene routines are individual.
To improve the hand hygiene practices, there need to be clear responsibilities around the hand hygiene support for surgeons. We also recommend a plan for hand-hygiene practices that is suitable for individuals.