Daniel Stromberg
Background: Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) can be contracted from a variety of sources, including contaminated devices such as stethoscopes, and unwashed hands of caregivers. In order to lower HAI risk, we investigat- ed use of a point-of-care Stethoscope Disinfection Device (SDD) in both an Urgent Care Clinic Setting (UCC), and an academic medical center Emergency Department (ED). We hypothesized that presence of the wall mounted SDD would reinforce infection control behaviors, and Hand Hygiene (HH) compliance in particular.
Methods: Research nurses observed HH compliance the day before, and after installation of the SDDs. Devices were placed outside exam rooms next to hand gel dispensers. Caregivers were considered compliant with WHO recommendations if hand sanitizer was applied before or after patient interaction. Use of the SDD itself was also recorded. Chi square analyses were performed.
Findings: A total of 168 patient room entries were logged during the pre-installation observation periods. After SDD placement, 199 patient room entries were recorded. Overall HH compliance increased from 19% before to 54% after device installation (p<0.0001). Among those who used the device for stethoscope disinfection, HH compliance was 94%, as opposed to 46% in those who did not (p<0.0001).
Interpretation: SDD installation in 2 distinct medical settings improved HH compliance. Use of the device itself resulted in further optimization of HH rates, likely from the mutually reinforcing nature of infection control behaviors. We speculate that the device’s visual presence in proximity to hand gel dispensers will serve as an enduring stimulus to HH guideline conformity.
Published Date: 2024-03-27; Received Date: 2024-02-28
