2. Improving Hand Hygiene Compliance at INSERT FACILITY NAME Training for Interrupted Observers

3. Interrupted Observations
Purpose
Provide real time reinforcement of correct behavior.
Provide real time education related to non-compliance.
Identify barriers to compliance.
Goals
To change behavior, resulting in increased compliance.
To lead by example and empower the bedside providers to interrupt or provide a gentle reminder when they see non-compliance.

4. Tips for Interrupted Observations
If your view is blocked and you are unsure of compliance, don’t guess. Continue to watch the provider, but don’t interrupt until you are sure there was compliance or non-compliance.
Pay attention to your body language. Appear open, relaxed and non-judgmental.
If the interaction becomes confrontational, don’t engage. Thank the individual and walk away. Acceptable answers to a reminder are “Thank you for reminding me” or “I didn’t realize I didn’t clean – thanks”. Submit the name of the individual who became confrontational to [Insert the name of the appropriate individual.]

5. Exceptions to Hand Hygiene Expectation
There are a few exceptions to the expectation for performing hand hygiene.
Patient safety always comes first. If there is a medical emergency respond first and clean your hands second.
Medical teams on rounds are allowed to clean their hands as they leave one room and walk directly into the next room without touching anything and are not required to clean their hands again as they enter. However, if any rounding team member stops and touches anything (workstation on wheels, phone, pager, etc.) they must clean again before entering the next patient room.
Dietary/food services staff will perform a 20 second hand wash before tray passing in the dining room. When delivering trays to patient/resident rooms, they will perform a 20 second hand wash before passing the first tray and then clean their hands upon exiting each room before passing the next tray. The reverse applies as they collect trays. They will clean their hands before entering each room to pick up a tray.

6. Scope of Observations Within Scope Not Within Scope
Compliance with hand hygiene at room entry
Compliance with hand hygiene at room exit
Not Within Scope
Correct isolation practices
Compliance with hand hygiene while care is being provided
Appropriate cleaning of patient care equipment
Measuring the time spent washing hands with soap and water

7. Questions