HAND HYGIENE COMPLIANCE IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNITS OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

SINDHU CUGATI; AISHWARYA J RAMALINGAM; CHITRALEKHA SAIKUMAR

Volume : VII, Issue : XII, December - 2018

HAND HYGIENE COMPLIANCE IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNITS OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Sindhu Cugati, Aishwarya J Ramalingam, Chitralekha Saikumar

Abstract :

Introduction: Health-care associated infections are recognized as a major burden for patients. Improper hand hygiene by healthcare workers (HCWs) is responsible for about 40% of nosocomial infections. Methodology: Individual HCW was observed during routine patient care with respect to potential HH opportunities available and number of HH actions performed in the ICU�s of a teritiary care centre . Results: Total desired HH opportunities during the study period were 66.1% from staff nurses and 33.9% from doctors. HH actions actually performed by the HCWs were 212 and overall compliance of the study group was estimated as 59.71%. It was 71.7 % in the intensivists, 52.6% in attending physicians, 33.3% in senior residents and 62.1% in the nurses. Compliance was inversely related to activity index. Compliance for high, medium and low risk of cross-transmission was 53.6%, 61.9% and 60% respectively. Conclusion: Hand hygiene is the most effective tool to control nosocomial infections.