Using inherent and elective behavior to improve hand hygiene monitoring in health care.

This study established a method for collecting hand hygiene (HH) performance data based on behavioral drivers (inherent or elective) that can be used by infection preventionists (IPs) to improve practice. Further, we explored the influence that task and setting has on HH behavior. A significant effect was found between task and setting that has implications for improving the usefulness of HH measurement, with positive feedback reported regarding the new measurement method.

Assessing user acceptance towards automated and conventional sink use for hand decontamination using the technology acceptance model.

Hand hygiene (HH) prevents harmful contaminants spreading in settings including domestic, health care and food handling. Strategies to improve HH range from behavioural techniques through to automated sinks that ensure hand surface cleaning. This study aimed to assess user experience and acceptance towards a new automated sink, compared to a normal sink. An adapted version of the technology acceptance model (TAM) assessed each mode of handwashing. A within-subjects design enabled N = 46 participants to evaluate both sinks. Perceived Ease of Use and Satisfaction of Use were significantly lower for the automated sink, compared to the conventional sink (p < 0.005). Across the remaining TAM factors, there was no significant difference. Participants suggested design features including jet strength, water temperature and device affordance may improve HH technology. We provide recommendations for future HH technology development to contribute a positive user experience, relevant to technology developers, ergonomists and those involved in HH across all sectors. Practitioner Summary: The need to facilitate timely, effective hand hygiene to prevent illness has led to a rise in automated handwashing systems across different contexts. User acceptance is a key factor in system uptake. This paper applies the technology acceptance model as a means to explore and optimise the design of such systems.

Review of technologies available to improve hand hygiene compliance - are they fit for purpose?

Hand hygiene has been empirically proven to prevent cross-transmission of infection, which has led to the development of global guidelines such as the World Health Organization's 'My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene.' Because of the relatively recent launch of these guidelines (2009) technology designed to assist in measuring hand hygiene compliance appears not to fully acknowledge the influence of the WHO 5 Moments for hand hygiene Consequently, they may not be fit for purpose (FFP). This paper uses a review of the literature on current hand hygiene technology to assess the extent to which these are FFP based on these global guidelines. The results show that there are a variety of technologies available to assist with the monitoring and measurement of hand hygiene levels. However, none appear to explicitly achieve detection of all WHO 5 Moments for hand hygiene, limiting their effectiveness. The authors conclude that a systems approach offers a potential aid for developers aspiring to meet domain specific FFP requirements. Human factors may help guide such developments to meet user and context specific needs.

Sound source information to improve cardiothoracic patients' comfort.

Hospital sound has been well documented through acoustic measurement and the classification of its adverse effects on patients and nurses. However, little consideration has been given to how the perception of these unavoidable soundscapes can be improved. For instance, does a better understanding of the variety of sounds improve patients' feeling? This paper begins to answer this and documents a pilot questionnaire-based study looking at the effects and potential benefits of sound source information (SSI) on patients' subjective reactions to a ward soundscape. The study was carried out from July to September 2011 with 31 patients in a cardiothoracic ward. Although strong inferences were not made, it was found that this simple intervention created a 21-26% positive change perception (p<0.05). The paper discusses the results in relation to nursing practice, concluding that SSI could be beneficial in helping patients to feel more comfortable.