Hygiena 2020, 65(3):93-98

Compliance with hand hygiene rules in perioperative care

Jana Wichsová, Andrea Horáková, Magda Taliánová

Univerzita Pardubice, Fakulta zdravotnických studií, Pardubice, Česká republika

Aims: The aim of this study was to reveal and compare theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to the observance of hand hygiene rules among perioperative nurses working in operating rooms.

Methods: The survey method was based on a questionnaire survey and hidden observation of hospital staff to determine compliance with the valid Methodical instructions - hand hygiene in the provision of health care, from the Bulletin of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic 2012, Volume 5. Data were collected for the period from September 2018 to January 2019. A total of 60 hidden observations was made, and 60 questionnaires were distributed.

Results: Hand hygiene was accompanied by a number of errors in healthcare facilities, despite the fact that the questionnaire survey showed that nurses are very well informed of hand hygiene guidelines. Surveys in operating theatres revealed errors in performing hygienic hand disinfection, hand conditioning and surgical hand washing. The observed nurses did not follow the correct procedure for hand disinfection, shortened the duration of exposure to the disinfectant or did not disinfect at all. Almost 25% of nurses failed to carry out prescribed hand preparation.

Conclusion: Comparison of the results of the questionnaire survey and the observation survey showed that the respondents often have good theoretical knowledge which they do not use in practice, and thus make mistakes. Consideration should be given to the quality of regular staff training on hand hygiene as well as the frequency and thoroughness of audits and controls in this area.

Keywords: health care associated infections, hand hygiene, perioperative care

Received: May 2020; Accepted: July 27, 2020; Published: August 21, 2020  Show citation