During a project aimed at reducing hospital-acquired infections, what intervention can improve hand hygiene compliance?

Implementing a hand hygiene campaign with educational sessions is considered the most effective intervention for improving hand hygiene compliance. This approach focuses on providing staff with essential knowledge and skills related to infection control and the importance of hand hygiene. Educational sessions can raise awareness about how infections spread, the role of proper handwashing in preventing these infections, and the specific techniques required for effective hand hygiene.

Additionally, a well-structured campaign can motivate staff by reinforcing the significance of their role in patient safety and health outcomes, creating a culture of accountability and commitment to best practices. By actively engaging healthcare workers in their learning and emphasizing the benefits of proper hygiene for both patients and themselves, such campaigns can lead to sustained improvements in compliance rates.

While penalties for non-compliance and encouraging self-reporting may address adherence to protocols, these strategies do not foster the knowledge or motivation necessary for lasting behavior change. Conducting regular audits can help monitor compliance but does not educate staff on proper practices, which is essential for long-term improvement. Therefore, the educational approach is key for instilling an understanding of and commitment to effective hand hygiene practices.