Most earlier-generation EHHCMS were based on RFID ( radio
11 frequency identification devices ), RF ( radio frequency ) or required work flow and / or behavior changes . They were expensive and had many shortcomings , a likely reason for low adoption .
2019 saw the first commercial use of near field magnetic induction ( NFMI ) -based monitoring technology which could measure proximity of healthcare workers to hand hygiene dispensers and patients with centimeter level accuracy ( versus meter + level accuracy with RFID-based systems ). This enabled precise measurement of multiple parameters , such as how long a healthcare worker actually washed his / her hands with soap and water , the time between entrance and engagement with a hand sanitizer or washing station , proximity to the patient bed , and more . NFMI technology offers more actionable data than any other technology platform ( see my HHM column from January 2021 ) and appears to be the emerging breakthrough that may lead to much more widespread adoption of EHHCMS .
The 2021 revised Leapfrog Group Hand Hygiene Standard10
12 represents some of the most specific hand hygiene requirements provided by any guideline-setting organization . To achieve top Leapfrog Safety Grades and qualify for the coveted Leapfrog Top Hospital Award , healthcare facilities must document up to 200 direct hand hygiene observations per unit per month for all patient care areas or alternatively , using a validated EHHCMS . By meeting the requirements of this comprehensive standard , hospitals can more readily create a safety culture that values accurate and reliable measurement of hand hygiene combined with actionable and timely staff feedback to drive sustainable improvement and reduce the risk of avoidable harm .
Let me know what you think and please send me your specific hand hygiene challenges , frustrations and nagging problems – I ’ ll share ideas that might be of interest in this monthly column
paul @ next-levelstrategies . com . Connect with me on
LinkedIn .
Paul Alper , BA , led the launch of PURELL ®, invented the first electronic hand hygiene monitoring system proven to reduce infections while improving behavior and eliminating costs and is now the VP Patient Safety Innovation for Medline Industries , Inc . through an exclusive engagement with his consulting practice , Next Level Strategies , LLC . Disclosure : The author is as a consultant to Medline Industries , Inc ., which has a financial relationship with an EHHCMS manufacturer .
References :
8 . Kelly W , Blackhurst D , Steed C , Boeker S and McAtee W . Use of the Targeted Solutions Tool and Electronic Monitoring to Improve Hand Hygiene Compliance . Paper presented at the 2016 SHEA annual meeting .
9 . Kelly JW , Blackhurst D , McAtee W and Steed C . Electronic Hand Hygiene Monitoring as a Tool for Reducing Health Care Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection . ( 2016 ) Am J Infect Control . 44 ( 8 ), 956-957 .
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