Authors: Mrs Joyce Roache-Levaii, Ms Faataualofa Kaio, Ms Penina Faamaile, Mr Asausesili Ierome, Ms Jessie Uati
Biography:
Joyce Earnestine Roache is the Principal Infection Prevention and Control Officer for the Ministry of Health in Samoa with 13-years’ experience in IPC, following 7-years of Nursing in the Paediatric Unit and 1-year in the Outpatient Department.
She obtained her Bachelor Degree of Nursing in 2006 from the National University of Samoa, and later went on to pursue a Graduate Diploma in Infection Prevention and Control from the Waiariki Institute of Technology, New Zealand in 2015.
She is a certified Hand Hygiene Gold Standard Auditor and is an active member of the Pacific Infection Prevention and Control Network (PICNet) and current chair for both PICNet and PICNet Technical Working Group.
Abstract:
Effective Hand hygiene (HH) practices play a crucial role in the prevention of healthcare associated infections. The World Health Organization developed the 5 moments for HH approach to improve HH compliance among healthcare workers and hence reduce HAIs and prevention of AMR.
With the support from the Pacific Community (SPC) and Hand Hygiene Australia (HHA), the IPC focal points from the Pacific Islands, were trained as ‘Gold Standard Auditors’, and how to develop their own multimodal improvement plan to improve HH practices in their own hospitals.
Methods
Following the baseline audit period from a multimodal improvement plan was developed which included:
- Training of healthcare professionals.
- Improved reminders using HH Posters.
- Timely feedback to health workers.
- Improved access to alcohol-based handrub.
Results
- For the 1st audit period Feb- April 2024, the baseline HH compliance was 50%.
- After the intervention period, HH compliance during the 2nd audit period increased to 68%.
- Ten doctors and ten nurses were recognized as HH Champions.
- Comparison of the hand hygiene compliance with the Five Moments showed an increase in compliance was reported for four (4) of the five (5) moments (1, 2, 4 & 5) with the increase significant for moments 1 and 4 (30%↑ and 25%↑ respectively).
Conclusion
The multimodal hand hygiene action plan was effective in increasing hand hygiene compliance overall. However, the results emphasize the necessity for continuous education and advocacy in improving hand hygiene compliance.