10
Recommendations
Table 3. Methods to Measure Hand Hygiene
Method Use Strength
Remote video
observation
• Establishment of
performance baseline.
• Gauge progress toward
facility-established goals.
• Validate opportunities to
determine denominators
if not captured by an
AHHMS.
• Allows for review of
unusual circumstances
and validation of other
monitoring systems.
• The absence of a human
observer may reduce the
Hawthorne effect.
• Potential for provision of
immediate and end-of-shift
feedback to individuals and
unit managers.
Patient-as-observer May be appropriate
in settings that are
challenged with resources
for observation such as
outpatient settings (e.g.,
emergency department).
• Engages and empowers
patients to remain aware
of and comment on HCP
hand hygiene behaviors.
• May improve patient
satisfaction.
• Cost effective
Indirect measures • Event counts
• Product usage
• Allows for assessment of
effectively placed dispensers.
• Volume usage may provide
trends.
Audits of accessibility
and functionality of
supplies
Assure infrastructure that
supports adherence.
Provides assurance of
functionality and availability
of hand hygiene supplies.
(cont'd)
