Hand in Hand: An Interdisciplinary Team Approach to Education Improves Compliance in an Acute Rehabilitation Setting

ISSUE: The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has increased its focus on infection control, including compliance with its National Patient Safety Goal # 7, which addresses reducing nosocomial infections. Compliance with the CDC Hand Hygiene Guideline is an important aspect of this goal. Infection control practitioners (ICPs) often struggle with lack of adequate time and resources to provide education and monitoring that result in compliance with current recommendations. HealthSouth New England Rehabilitation Hospital is a 210-bed acute rehabilitation facility. Patient mobility and group therapy programs add to the challenge of preventing the spread of resistant organisms and infections. PROJECT: An educational program was developed by the ICP, the Director of Laboratory Services, and the Clinical Nurse Specialist. It was presented for all shifts during Infection Control Week to increase staff knowledge of organisms in the healthcare environment. The importance of compliance with hand hygiene and precautions was emphasized to reduce the spread of organisms. Educational tools included a PowerPoint presentation, plated organisms from environmental surfaces and fingertips, and various handouts. Massachusetts-approved continuing education credit was awarded to encourage attendance. RESULTS: Healthcare workers (HCWs) from several disciplines attended. Improved outcomes include increased hand hygiene, precaution barrier use, and peer influence. HCWs now encourage patients to use alcohol hand sanitizer. Nosocomial transmission of resistant organisms and overall infection rates continue to decrease. LESSONS LEARNED: HCWs can meet the challenges of infection control in the rehabilitation setting when equipped with the knowledge to succeed. A multidisciplinary approach to education can be an effective way for ICPs to increase staff awareness and improve compliance with guidelines and basic infection control.