Hand hygiene, knowledge and training motivational drives: findings from a survey in a university hospital
2024

Hand Hygiene Knowledge and Training in Healthcare Workers

Sample size: 542 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Corbo Maria Incoronata, Wachocka Malgorzata, Pozzi Maddalena, Cioce Marco, Di Donato Michele, Raponi Matteo, Pascucci Domenico, Marziali Eleonora, Fantoni Massimo, Murri Rita, Vincenti Sara, Nuzzo Carmen, Vetrugno Giuseppe, Cambieri Andrea, Laurenti Patrizia

Primary Institution: Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy

Hypothesis

What factors influence healthcare workers' knowledge and adherence to hand hygiene protocols?

Conclusion

The study found that while healthcare workers had moderate knowledge of hand hygiene, significant gaps exist, particularly in the application of key practices.

Supporting Evidence

  • Moderate knowledge of hand hygiene protocols was found, averaging 74%.
  • Significant predictors of knowledge included professional qualifications and length of service.
  • 87.2% of participants reported receiving hand hygiene training in the last 3 years.
  • 97% of participants usually use an alcohol-based product for hand hygiene.

Takeaway

This study shows that healthcare workers mostly know how to wash their hands, but there are still some important things they don't understand well.

Methodology

A 17-item questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and adherence to hand hygiene among healthcare workers.

Potential Biases

Participants may have been more motivated or attentive, affecting the results.

Limitations

The participation rate was only 8%, which may not represent the entire healthcare worker population.

Participant Demographics

The median age of participants was 35 years, with 72% female.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fpubh.2024.1421324

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