The Department of Hospital Hygiene at Marburg University Hospital is conducting a comprehensive study on digital hand hygiene together with OPHARDT Hygiene and B.Braun Germany. The focus is on the impact of digital hand hygiene dispensers on patient safety and the protection of healthcare workers.
Nosocomial infections are a serious problem in medical care and a burden on healthcare systems worldwide. In Germany, an estimated 600,000 patients a year suffer an infection in connection with a hospital stay. A significant proportion of these infections can be avoided through strict hygiene. In this context, hand hygiene plays a key role. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hand disinfection in particular is an important measure for breaking chains of infection in medical facilities.
Innovative ways to ensure patient safety at Giessen and Marburg University Hospital
Digitalization is an innovative approach to further optimizing hygiene standards. The Department of Hospital Hygiene at Marburg University Hospital is launching a study lasting several months on improving hand hygiene with the help of smart dispenser systems. One of the key questions is: What influence do automatic feedback functions have on the hand hygiene compliance of medical staff?
With this study, we want to show the extent to which digital dispenser solutions can support us in our work in hospital hygiene and optimize existing processes. The influence of viscosity on hand disinfection behavior is also an interesting factor that we would like to investigate.
Prof. Dr. med. Frank Günther, Head of Hospital Hygiene at the UKGM
A total of four hospital wards at the Marburg site are taking part in the study so that well-founded conclusions can be drawn about the benefits of the measures.
Researchers investigate the effect of feedback on hand hygiene
As part of the scientific study, hygiene feedback is communicated to staff in two ways. Firstly, the hand disinfectant dispensers visually inform the hospital staff via an integrated green LED whether enough disinfectant has been dispensed. A dispensing quantity of three milliliters is recommended for hygienic hand disinfection. In addition, staff receive feedback on ward-related hand hygiene behavior on centrally installed monitors.
In a further sub-study, the influence of the viscosity of the hand disinfectant on hand hygiene compliance is investigated. Here, a preparation in liquid form is compared with a hand disinfectant in gel form in terms of consumption per patient day.
The study at the University Hospital Giessen and Marburg (UKGM) is being supported by two renowned industry partners. Devices from OPHARDT Hygiene are used for both individual and ward-specific hand hygiene feedback. Various products from B. Braun Germany are used to investigate viscosity as an influencing factor.
The study is also intended to provide hygiene managers with scientifically sound findings on the extent to which hand hygiene behavior can be improved with autonomous feedback functions against the background of the shortage of skilled workers.
Prof. Dr. Frank Günther, Head of Hospital Hygiene at the UKGM, looks forward to the study: “We agree that the topic of hygiene requires the utmost attention in order to ensure optimal protection for patients and hospital staff. With this study, we want to show the extent to which digital dispenser solutions can support us in our work in hospital hygiene and optimize existing processes. The influence of viscosity on hand disinfection behavior is also an interesting factor that we would like to investigate.”
The start of the study is in summer 2024.
Kommentieren