Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Hand Hygiene Initiative

With hand hygiene compliance at 37.3 percent, Syosset Hospital implemented a comprehensive approach to increase compliance: 1)"Secret shoppers" were trained to observe hand-washing practice. 2)Hand-washing signage was posted prominently throughout the facility. 3)Computer screensavers with hand hygiene messages were installed. 4)The "Wash In-Wash Out" campaign was introduced hospital-wide. 5)"Just-in-time coaches" provided on-the-spot education when staff were observed not following the policy. 6)"Infection prevention coaches" were chosen from unit staff and empowered to approach staff and provide education and foster continued compliance with hand hygiene. 7)Alcohol-based hand gel dispensers were installed throughout the hospital. 8)The "Red Check" program was initiated: All staff are given small cards with large red checks as a silent communication tool for those staff observed not practicing hand hygiene. 9)Monthly unit-based hand hygiene monitoring was done and validated by the epidemiology/infection control manager.10)Physician non-compliance is referred to the director of medicine.