Multimodal strategy for improving hang hygiene in a healthcare facility: achievements and prospects

Abstract

Adherence to hand hygiene rules and practices in healthcare facilities is a key measure to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The hands of healthcare personnel are the main factor in the transmission of healthcare-associated infections. According to the WHO, 40% of pathogens that remain on hands are viable for one hour and 70% of cases of poor hand hygiene of healthcare workers can lead to patient infection. Implementing improved hand hygiene is an important and effective strategy to keep patients healthy and prevent the spread of HAIs. High-quality hand hygiene treatment of medical staff using alcohol-based antiseptic is performed in only 40% of facilities (data from the Center for Public Health of Ukraine). In Ukraine, since 2021, the Order of the Ministry of Health No. 1614, which approves the Instruction on the implementation of hand hygiene improvement in healthcare facilities was implemented. The Instruction regulates the procedure for organizing hand hygiene in healthcare facilities using a multimodal strategy aimed at reducing the level of HAIs.