Journal of Infectious Diseases & Preventive Medicine
Open Access
ISSN: 2329-8731
+44 1300 500008
ISSN: 2329-8731
+44 1300 500008
Bernadette Priya Pandya-Orozco
DNP, RN, PHN, CIC USA
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Infect Dis Preve Med
Hand hygiene (HH) is one of the most cost-effective and simplest ways to reduce healthcare associated infections (HAIs). Incorporating Speak Up for hand hygiene enables healthcare workers (HCW) to communicate without fear when they observe noncompliance with HH requirements. To increase HH compliance by utilizing Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) TeamSTEPPS education to encourage Speak Up for HH and lead to reduction in HAIs. The researcher provided educational training on “Speak Up for Hand Hygiene” and performed regular audits to examine its effects on one hospital unit in a California Bay Area healthcare system. A pretest/posttest was provided to measure the participants’ understanding of “Speak Up culture.” Trained auditors observed hand hygiene occurrences: entering and exiting patient care areas. The results were analyzed using a two-tailed paired sample t-test which was significant based on an alpha value of .05, t(17) = -5.43, p < .001, indicating the null hypothesis can be rejected. The results for HH compliance were statistically significant, increasing from 89.79% pre-Speak Up training to 94.71% post-intervention. A Chi-square Test of Independence was conducted, and the results showed they were independent of each other and were significant based on an alpha value of .05, χ2(1) = 4.97, p = .026. The number of HAIs can be reduced by implementing Speak Up training for Hand Hygiene. Additionally, performance improvement can be sustained when leadership and the culture of the organization welcome transparency and empower Speak Up for Hand Hygiene.
Bernadette “Priya” Pandya-Orozco, is the Manager for Infection Prevention at O' Connor Hospital, Santa Clara Valley Health System. She has served as a subject matter expert in the field of infection prevention and communicable disease for over twenty years. She has a Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing as well as her Doctorate of Nursing Practice. From all of her collective experiences, Priya has learned the importance of waking up every day, ready to share her love and passion for infection prevention. Her drive for excellence is deeply rooted in her desire to provide a safe environment for everyone.