Quality Improvement Proposal

Hand hygiene compliance among healthcare providers is a critical issue in nursing organizations, particularly in acute care settings such as hospitals. Non-compliance with hand hygiene protocols can lead to the spread of healthcare-associated infections, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This paper proposes a quality improvement initiative aimed at improving hand hygiene compliance rates among healthcare providers in nursing organizations. The initiative is based on evidence-based practices and is expected to lead to a reduction in the incidence of healthcare-associated infections and associated healthcare costs.

Overview of the Problem and Setting

In many nursing organizations, hand hygiene compliance rates among healthcare providers are often suboptimal, leading to the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) (Boyce, 2021). This problem is particularly prevalent in acute care settings such as hospitals and can lead to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. It is certainly a problem in my healthcare setting where I work as a nurse.

Why a Quality Improvement Initiative is Needed and the Expected Outcome

Hand hygiene is a critical component of infection prevention and control in healthcare settings. It has been identified as the most effective way to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, including multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant problem in healthcare facilities, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.

By implementing a quality improvement initiative aimed at improving hand hygiene compliance rates among healthcare providers, nursing organizations can help prevent the spread of HAIs and improve patient safety. This can be achieved through a multifaceted approach that includes education, reminders, feedback, and a culture of accountability (Bezerra et al., 2020).

The expected outcome of such an initiative is a reduction in the incidence of HAIs and associated healthcare costs. Studies have shown that improving hand hygiene compliance rates among healthcare providers can lead to a significant reduction in the incidence of HAIs, including MRSA infections. Additionally, reducing the incidence of HAIs can result in significant cost savings for healthcare facilities by reducing the length of hospital stays and the need for additional treatments and interventions.

How Previous Research Supports the Quality Improvement Initiative

Numerous studies have demonstrated that hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings (Bezerra et al., 2020). One systematic review of 41 studies found that hand hygiene promotion interventions were associated with a significant reduction in HAIs (Clancy et al., 2021). Another study found that improving hand hygiene compliance rates among healthcare providers led to a significant reduction in the incidence of MRSA infections (Cawthorne et al., 2020).

Steps Necessary to Implement the Quality Improvement Initiative

Implementing a quality improvement initiative aimed at improving hand hygiene compliance rates among healthcare providers is critical to preventing the transmission of infectious agents and reducing the incidence of HAIs. A multifaceted approach that includes education, reminders, feedback, easy access to hand hygiene products and equipment,...…associated with HAIs can also be evaluated before and after the intervention. These costs may include the cost of additional treatment, increased length of stay, and the cost of additional diagnostic testing. By comparing the costs before and after the intervention, nursing organizations can determine if there has been a decrease in healthcare costs associated with HAIs.

Variables, Hypothesis Test, and Statistical Test Needed to Prove the Quality Improvement Initiative Succeeded

An appropriate null hypothesis would be that the quality improvement initiative will have no effect on hand hygiene compliance rates, the incidence of HAIs, or associated healthcare costs. The alternative hypothesis is that the quality improvement initiative will result in an improvement in hand hygiene compliance rates, a reduction in the incidence of HAIs, and associated healthcare costs. To test this hypothesis, a paired t-test can be used to compare hand hygiene compliance rates and the incidence of HAIs before and after the intervention. A cost-benefit analysis can be conducted to assess the financial impact of the intervention.

Conclusion

The proposed quality improvement initiative has the potential to significantly improve patient safety and reduce healthcare costs associated with healthcare-associated infections. By implementing a multifaceted approach that includes education, reminders, feedback, and a culture of accountability, healthcare providers can be empowered to prioritize hand hygiene and prevent the spread of infectious agents. Continuous monitoring and feedback can help sustain the improvements over time. Nursing organizations should prioritize the implementation of evidence-based quality improvement initiatives to…