Mrs. Marija Juraja1, Mr Joel Collins2
1CALHN, Adelaide, Australia, 2CALHN, Adelaide, Australia
Biography:
Current ANUM in Infection Prevention and Control Unit at CALHN. Previous specialisation as a Emergency Nurse. Current committee member on CALHN Nursing Practice and Performance Committee, as well as Prevention and Controlling Infections Standard 3 Priority Care Committee. Completed Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Infection Control) Adelaide University 2020.
Abstract:
Problem
Alcohol based hand rub (ABHR) bed brackets are consistently not on the end of bed. The current bed bracket passively attaches to the bed, hinders for space with mattresses and lifts, and is easily knocked off. This impacts the capability for clinical staff to adhere to the 5 moments of hand hygiene and increases risk of cross transmission of multi resistant organisms.
Results
A pilot for one month was undertaken on two wards using a new red metal bed bracket and a new ABHR Aqium™(provided by EGO Pharmaceutical). The ABHR was placed at the ends of every bed, nursing staff were provided education and their responsibility in maintaining the brackets and ABHR. Ward engagement did not demonstrate consistent success. And surveying staff, sustained change is unlikely when driven by one member of the team without buy-in from colleagues.
Conclusion
Product feedback indicated that that the Aqium™ ABHR bed bracket performed well because it had a better grip on the patient bed-end and restocking was less time-consuming (bottle slip in/slip rather than screw lid into bracket); the product also was easier to use, felt better on their hands and dried quicker with minimal or no skin issues identified.
Lessons learnt
Hospital-wide use of the ABHR and bed bracket, coupled with ongoing education of nursing and orderly staff (re: no need to remove the ABHR from the end of the bed from transport) may assist in maintaining stock on the end of the patient bed-end.