Creative Handwashing Campaign in an Orthopedic Surgical Institution

Creative Handwashing Campaign in an Orthopedic Surgical Institution Page E47 M. Spencer*, D. Gulczynski Close Close preview | Purchase PDF (53 K) | Related articles | Related reference work articles AbstractAbstract Abstract ISSUE: The CDC Guideline for Hand Hygiene was to be implemented at New England Baptist Hospital (NEBH) and education on the use of alcohol-based handwash throughout the facility. PROJECT: In November 2003, a Hand Hygiene Campaign was presented at NEBH, a large orthopedic surgical institution with approximately 900 employees. The purpose was to educate healthcare workers (HCWs) on the CDC Guideline for Hand Hygiene and implement the use of alcohol-based handwash product. The campaign included creative posters around the theme of “Got Soap” with soap-mustached nurses and doctors, a childrenʹs handwashing poster contest, and creative NEBH hand hygiene buttons. To illustrate hand contamination, cultures were obtained from the cafeteria cashiers followed by alcohol handwash. Raffles of unique talking toilets and ladybug products for pledges to wash hands, and glo-germ studies were conducted throughout the institution. RESULTS: The educational program was a big success, with 500 buttons distributed and over 400 pledges were submitted to wash hands and use handwash. In return, over 70 donated raffle gifts were distributed. Results of hand cultures following alcohol-based handwash were dramatic in demonstrating bacterial reduction. Alcohol-based handwash was installed in all operating rooms, patient rooms, and other departments immediately after the campaign. LESSONS LEARNED: Hand hygiene education can be presented in a fun and creative way and reach all levels of workers. A turnkey approach to setting up an educational campaign will be presented including sources for vendors, websites, buttons, and poster themes.