Practicing Of Hand Hygiene Practices Among Patients Attending The Department– An Institutional Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to explore patients’ attitudes and behaviours towards hand hygiene.

Methodology: This descriptive study used patient observations of hand hygiene practices using a validated observation tool, face-to-face interviews with patients.  Interviews and surveys were textually and quantitatively analysed. A total of 105 patient observations, 50 patient interviews were collected.

Results: The majority of patients reported hand hygiene as an important aspect of everyday life in preventing infection in the hospital setting. However, this contrasts with the poor patient hand hygiene compliance identified using the patient observation tool. Patient interviews found that more encouragement and education by staff, increased signage and easily accessible facilities will increase hand hygiene practices.

Conclusion: Further training of nursing staff in promoting a hand hygiene friendly environment will have a powerful influence among patients and in delivering patient centred care.