Evidence-Based Practice Proposal

Section D: Solution Description

Proposed Solution

In seeking to prevent/reduce the risk of nosocomial infections in acute care oncology, it has been proposed that the practice of hand rubbing with a waterless, alcohol-based solution be implemented at XXXXX. It is important to note that various studies conducted in the past support this particular course of action in as far as the minimization of hospital-acquired infections is concerned. In one such study, Girou, Loyeau, Legrand, Oppein, and Brun-Buissson (2002) found out that in comparison to hand washing using a standard antiseptic soap, hand rubbing with a waterless, alcohol-based solution was indeed more effective. In the words of the authors, during routine patient care, hand rubbing with an alcohol based solution is significantly more efficient in reducing hand contamination than hand washing with antiseptic soap (Girou, Loyeau, Legrand, Oppein, and Brun-Buissson, 2002, p. 362). This is a finding collaborated by Widmer (2000) who makes a finding to the effect that there is a significant risk of recontamination when water and a standard antiseptic soap is used. According to the author, hand washing with soap is a systemic process that in most cases has to be completed by turning off the faucet. Therein lies the risk of reinfection. Picheansathian (2004) observes that the relevance of hand hygiene cannot be overstated in as far as the reduction of nosocomial infections in health settings is concerned. According to the author, whereas there are various strategies that are used to advance hand hygiene, one of the most effective approach involves hand rubbing with products that are alcohol-based. In a systematic review seeking to assess how effective alcohol-based solutions are in the advancement of hand hygiene, Picheansathian (2004) came to the conclusion that alcohol-based hand rub removes microorganisms from hands of personnel more effectively, requires less time, and irritates hands less often than traditional hand washing with non-medicated soap or other antiseptic agents and water (25).

It should also be noted that to a large extent, compliance happens to be one of the main concerns in any attempt to bring about change. For...…fruition will be identified.

3. Implementation: This phase concerns itself with the actual implementation of the proposed hand hygiene standard. More specifically, implementation in this case will largely focus in ensuring that alcohol-based handrub is availed in acute care oncology and that staff are sensitized on the why and how of the new standard.

4. Evaluation: Evaluation is of great relevance in tracking the effectiveness of the standard so as to identify deviations from intended outcomes.

Outcome Impact

Quality Care Improvement: The key objective of improved hand hygiene is decreased rate of healthcare acquired infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC (2020), peoples hands are responsible for the spread of some of the most serious infections in healthcare settings. Towards this end, CDC (2020) concludes that preventing the spread of germs is especially important in hospitals and other facilities such as dialysis centers and nursing homes. With this in mind, the present undertaking could be considered a step in the right direction in as far as quality care improvement is concerned. This is…