To Investigate the Validity and Reliability of a Radio Frequency ID/Electronic Exciter System in Detection of Hand Washing Events; and to Investigate Nurses’ Hand Hygiene Practices and Explore the Social and Behavioral Factors which Influence these Practices

Abstract

Background: HH is the most important strategy to prevent spread of hospital-acquired infections. HCWs’ HH compliance is typically 30-50%. Human monitoring of HH is inconvenient and labor-intensive. Purpose: Objectives. Sub-study 1: Investigate validity and reliability of an RFID system in detection of handwashing events. Sub-study 2: Investigate changes in HH compliance and duration with perceived level of infectious risk (PRF). Sub-study 3: Explore social/behavioral factors which influence HH practice. Design: Observational. Results: RFID system Sensitivity =0.175[0.057, 0.293]; PPV =0.778[0.649, 0.907]; Reliability =0.266[0.109, 0.520]. HH compliance was higher for higher PRFs, χ-square =67.36, p<0.0001. Handwashing duration was longer for higher PRFs, χ-square =18.25, p<0.0001. Meaning of Hand Hygiene is central to nurses’ HH practice. Conclusion: RFID system has poor reliability but reasonable validity when used for detecting handwashing. HH compliance is higher and handwashing duration longer after exposure to higher PRFs. Meaning of HH is central to HH practice.