| Sub-title | |
| Authors | M Montefort S Chetcuti E Scicluna M A Borg |
| Abstract | Introduction: The ease of acquisition and transfer of transient pathogens on the hands of healthcare workers is an important factor in the spread of hospital infections. Thorough hand decontamination before and after patient contact is therefore essential for prevention. Methodology: An observational study of doctors was carried out at St Luke's Hospital, Malta, between November 2005 and February 2006. The frequency and preferred method of hand hygiene before (if an inanimate object was touched previously) and after patient examination / contact was observed, together with concurrent availability of hand hygiene facilities. Observations were made at outpatient departments as well as in hospital wards. Results: A total of 898 observations were made from 49 firms, each comprising an average of four doctors. Overall compliance before and after patient contact was 22.7% and 33.5% respectively. Poorest compliance was evident in house officers (16.7% before contact) as compared to the most compliant group - registrars (45.5% after patient examination). Within specialties, hand hygiene practices were lowest in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (10.6% overall) and highest in specialised surgical units (52.5%). There was no significant difference in hand hygiene compliance between ward-round and out-patient settings. The presence of adequate facilities resulted in a statistically significant improvement in compliance. Nevertheless, even when adequate facilities were available within easy reach, 74.8% and 64.6% of doctors failed to perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact. Alcohol hand rub was the preferred method in the wards whilst handwashing was mainly utilised in the outpatient setting. Conclusion: Hand hygiene amongst doctors in St Luke's Hospital is low and could be a factor in the high MRSA endemicity. Campaigns are clearly required to improve compliance and reduce risk of transmission of nosocomial infections. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 18 Supplement |
| Page | |
| Date | 01/12/2006 |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | doctor, hand hygiene, health care worker, MRSA |