An audit on hand hygiene as a practice in the eye department of a teaching institute in Dehradun. A cross-sectional study.

Vatsala Vats; Monika  Jain; Priyanka Gupta; Tarannum Shakeel; Sreeram Jayraj

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2676

Authors

Vatsala Vats MS, Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, SGRRIM & HS, Dehradun, Uttarakhand-248001, India.
Monika Jain MS, Associate Professor; Department of Ophthalmology, SGRRIM & HS, Dehradun, Uttarakhand-248001, India.
Priyanka Gupta MS, FAICO, Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, SGRRIM & HS, Dehradun, Uttarakhand-248001, India.
Tarannum Shakeel MS, Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, SGRRIM & HS, Dehradun, Uttarakhand-248001, India.
Sreeram Jayraj MS, FAICO, Assistant Professor; Department of Ophthalmology, SGRRIM & HS, Dehradun, Uttarakhand-248001, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2676

Keywords:

Hand Hygiene, Eye Department, Dehradun

Abstract

Background

The eye is not only a sense organ but also an optical medium. Ocular hygiene is dependent on hands, as any condition requires the instillation of drops and ointment into the eye. Hand Hygiene (HH) is a safe and effective tool to prevent ocular infections pre- and post-operatively. Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs) are an economic burden and contribute to morbidity and mortality. The present study evaluates Hand Hygiene as a practice in the eye department of a teaching institution over six months.

Material and Method

All health personnel working in the eye department were included in the study. They were observed on the first day of their duty, and the status of hand hygiene was noted. After proper guidance, they were observed every week, and their compliance was documented at the end of their posting. The study draws a comparison of their status of Hand Hygiene on the first and last day of their presentation.

Results

Hand hygiene compliance improved significantly after counseling across all staff groups. Intern compliance improved significantly (p=0.0001), and attendants/housekeeping staff also showed improvement (p=0.0098). Support staff compliance increased from 0% to 75%, OPD optometrists from 29% to 57%, while faculty improved from 90% to 100% after intervention.

Conclusion

The practice of Hand Hygiene is of utmost importance in any healthcare system. It needs proper guidance and persistence for a thorough implementation of Hand Hygiene to become a regular habit.

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