Hand hygiene: nurses' adherence after training

Rev Bras Enferm. 2018 May;71(3):1189-1193. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2017-0239.
[Article in Portuguese, English]

Abstract

Objective: Hand hygiene plays a key role in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections. Therefore, this study aims to analyze nurses' adherence to hand hygiene and identify intervention strategies to improve this procedure.

Method: Integrative literature review, using the Cochrane methodology, to answer the following question: "What is the level of effectiveness of training in improving nurses' adherence to hand hygiene?".

Results: Studies show that nurses' adherence to hand hygiene has increased from 42.9% to 61.4% (p<0.001), or even from 63% to 76% (p<0.005) after a specific training intervention.

Conclusion: After training, nurses' adherence to hand hygiene improved, particularly when compared to the other professionals involved. Despite its simplicity, the implementation of a training program and its subsequent follow-up have a positive on nurses' attitudes and adherence to hand hygiene.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Education, Nursing, Continuing / methods*
  • Guideline Adherence / standards*
  • Hand Hygiene / methods
  • Hand Hygiene / standards*
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods
  • Infection Control / standards
  • Nurse's Role
  • Nurses / psychology*
  • Nurses / standards*