Evaluation of hand hygiene practices in pediatric unit in a tertiary care hospital, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Hand hygiene is a vital aspect of infection control and as such requires monitoring. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Healthcare had been available since 2009 yet the average compliance of such practices among healthcare providers (HCPs) has remained unacceptably low. This study aimed to assess the compliance of hand hygiene practices and strategies for improvement in pediatric unit in a tertiary care hospital, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. This prospective cross-sectional survey was conducted during November 2016 – Feb 2017. Data was collected during day as well as night duty hours in intensive care unit (ICU) and wards using a self-structured questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 114 HCPs participated in this survey of which seventy six percent had good knowledge regarding moments and steps of hand hygiene. Good compliance (> 80%) was seen among faculty and nursing staff during day in ICU and was poor (<40%) among residents and interns, being the lowest during night hours in wards. The major reasons reported for low compliance were non-availability of soap & disinfectants, high workload and lack of clear guidelines. Administrative and educational reforms were suggested to improve the compliance. HCPs at Department of Pediatrics have good knowledge and average compliance to hand hygiene practices. However, there is wide scope for improvement. Infrastructural support can be provided along with clear guidelines and robust training to improve these practices.