Hand hygiene (HH) appears to be a simple, non-complex procedure to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), implementation in daily routine is difficult. The residential setting and specific population pose challenges to optimal HH compliance. This study aims to develop and to evaluate an evidence based multi-component implementation strategy aimed at the promotion of HH in Dutch nursing homes(NHs). A strategy to improve HH compliance in Dutch NHs will be developed. This strategy addresses the specific barriers and facilitators of NHs' infrastructure, healthcare workers (HCWs) and socio-cultural setting. The strategy will be tested in a stepped wedge cluster randomized design which is based on a random sequential roll-out of the implementation strategy to all participating NHs (n=20) for comparison. Data are collected during six consecutive four month periods with an initial baseline period for all NHs. During each period 1200 opportunities for HH are observed, using the gold standard of direct and unobtrusive observations, according to the Five Moments for HH of the World Health Organization. HAIs incidence densities, collected in the sentinel surveillance network for infectious diseases in nursing homes (SNIV), will be evaluated in parallel. A multi component implementation strategy, combining activities aimed at individual HCWs, teams and the organization will be used. The individual level includes education, skills, action planning, reminders and feedback. The team level includes activities that focus on social influence, strengthening of leadership by gaining active commitment and initiative of ward management. The organizational level addresses the structural context and institutional management support. To assess the cost implications of the CHANGE strategy, an economic evaluation will be conducted from a healthcare perspective. The cost-effectiveness of improved HH, defined here as the costs for the CHANGE strategy minus less costs for treating infections, divided by the difference between HAIs before and after the intervention period, will be calculated. A process evaluation will be performed during and after the intervention to investigate the feasibility of the implementation strategy and to illuminate the mechanisms and processes responsible for the results and their variation within the NHs.
Sex
ALL
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Hand hygiene compliance
Timeframe: two year