Authors: (including presenting author): :
LAM HY(1), TANG OL(2), CHAN HM(3), LI YN(1), KO CM(2), LEE SC(3)
Affiliation: :
(1) Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, North District Hospital, HKSAR (2) Department of Medicine, North District Hospital, HKSAR (3) Central Nursing Division, North District Hospital, HKSAR
Keyword 1: :
Bare below elbow
Keyword 2: :
Hand hygiene
Introduction: :
Bare below elbow(BBE) is crucial for hand hygiene to minimize cross transmission of infection in hospital. A series of campaigns were launched in NDH to introduce the concept and compliance of BBE among health care professionals. The outcomes of the campaigns were reviewed. And it significantly showed that through a series of campaigns, it is possible to change the behavior of colleagues to achieve desired effects.
Objectives: :
Introduce BBE to health care professionals with direct patient care. To raise the awareness of hand hygiene and minimize cross transmission of infection.
Methodology: :
BBE includes four key components: 1) Sleeves above the elbow. 2) No wrist jewellery and watch. 3) No ring. 4) Short clean nails with no nail polish or artificial nail. To clearly understand the current situation, we collected compliance check from all wards before designing the campaigns. The compliance check involved reviewing the practice and focus of campaign design. After reviewing the data, we developed a series of engagement campaigns included posters, a catchy music video, interactive game booths and invitation of ambassadors. The effectiveness of these campaign was evaluated through a follow-up compliance check at the end of project period.
Result & Outcome: :
During the baseline compliance check, a total of 340 health care professionals with direct patient care were assessed, only 141 individuals (41.47%) complied with BBE which fulfilled all key components. This figure highlighted a significant need for improvement. After the completion of all campaigns, we used the same data collection sheet to conduct compliance check. Among 312 health care professionals with direct patient care, 303 individuals (97.12%) demonstrated compliance with BBE which fulfilled all key components. This marked a notable improvement of 55.65%. The results not only illustrate the effectiveness of BBE campaign, but also emphasis the importance of continued education and awareness in clinical setting. The BBE compliance check has been incorporated into regular audit to monitor the continuity of BBE practice in clinical setting.
