Adherence to hand hygiene technique: an observational study

Abstract

Objective: To verify adherence and quality of hand hygiene techniques performed by health professionals at recommended times and identify impacting factors. Methods: This is an observational study, with 41 professionals from the Adult Intensive Care Unit of a Brazilian teaching hospital. Data collection took place from September to December 2021, using a sociodemographic questionnaire and observation form from the World Health Organization. Statistical tests of binomial analysis and mixed-effects logistic regression model were applied, and a significance level of 0.05 was adopted. Results: A total of 1,055 hand hygiene opportunities were observed; the adherence rate was 23.98%; and it can be seen that professionals did not perform the recommended technique. The binomial test verified greater adherence to moments “after” when compared to moments “before” (p< 0.001) and a negative impact of using gloves was found (p< 0.001). The logistical model reinforced greater adherence in moments “after”. Even though adherence is low among all professional categories, the logistical model demonstrated more chances of hand hygiene by nurses. Conclusion: Adherence to hand hygiene was considerably low, especially considering the appropriate technique. A negative impact of using gloves on hand hygiene adherence was verified. Professionals demonstrated greater chances of adhering to hand hygiene in the moments “after” when compared to moments “before”.