Hand Hygiene: A Quality Improvement Project

Abigail Mitchell*¹, Shannon Hogan², Tiffany Wilson³ and Emma Boisvert⁴

Received: December 12, 2017;   Published: December 18, 2017

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2017.01.000601

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Abstract

Health care associated infections (HAIs) are known world-wide primarily due to poor hand hygiene practices. It is imperative for family nurse practitioners (FNPs) to be role models in the workplace exemplifying proper hand hygiene techniques and advocating for patient safety. FNPs can do this by educating those who do not perform or are not knowledgeable of proper hand hygiene practices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [1] recommend that hand hygiene consist of decontaminating hands with antiseptics routinely, when hands are soiled, before and after any patient interaction and prior to health-care related procedures. Florence Nightingale established the environmental theory in the 1800’s, as she began to recognize the importance in maintaining a clear environment to best promote the health of her patients.

Abbreviations: WHO: World Health Organization; HAI: Health Care Associated Infections; NIH: National Institute of Health; CDC: Center for Disease Control; HICPAC: Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee; NP: Nurse Practitioners; RN: Registered Nurses; CAN: Certified Nursing Assistants

Abstract| Research Question| Problem Statement| Florence Nightingale| Literature Review| Methodology| Results| Limitations| Recommendations for Future Research| Conclusion| References|