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Abstract
Improving hand hygiene practices among patients and healthcare workers in hospitals is an essential intervention to reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). This paper aims to propose objectives for an intervention that compares hand washing using soap and water to an alcohol hand-based rub in reducing HAIs within a hospital stay. The objectives are supported by the cultural assessment findings and align with the principles of autonomy and social justice. By implementing this intervention, hospitals can promote patient safety, protect the well-being of healthcare workers, and reduce the burden of HAIs.
Objectives:
1. Increase knowledge and awareness about proper hand hygiene practices among patients and healthcare workers.
Rationale: By educating individuals about the importance of hand hygiene, they will be motivated to adopt proper hand washing techniques, leading to a decrease in the transmission of infectious agents.
2. Enhance access to hand hygiene facilities and supplies throughout the hospital.
Rationale: Ensuring that hand hygiene facilities, such as handwashing sinks and alcohol hand rub dispensers, are readily available promotes convenience and encourages frequent hand hygiene practices among patients and healthcare workers.
3. Implement regular monitoring and feedback systems to assess compliance with hand hygiene guidelines.
Rationale: By regularly monitoring and providing feedback on hand hygiene practices, hospitals can identify areas of improvement and reinforce positive behavior, leading to sustained adherence to hand hygiene protocols.
4. Empower patients and healthcare workers to actively participate in their hand hygiene practices through educational materials and reminders.
Rationale: By involving patients and healthcare workers in their own hand hygiene practices, there is a higher likelihood of sustained behavior change and adherence to hand hygiene protocols.
5. Foster a culture of accountability and responsibility for hand hygiene practices among healthcare workers.
Rationale: Promoting a culture where healthcare workers feel accountable and responsible for their hand hygiene practices creates a shared commitment to patient safety and reduces the risk of HAIs.
The proposed intervention and objectives advocate for autonomy and social justice for individuals and diverse populations in several ways. Firstly, by promoting hand hygiene practices, individuals are empowered to take control of their own health and well-being, exercising their autonomy to prevent the spread of infections. When patients and healthcare workers have access to accurate information and proper facilities, their autonomy to make informed decisions regarding hand hygiene is respected.
Secondly, the intervention aims to address health disparities among diverse populations by ensuring equal access to hand hygiene facilities and supplies throughout the hospital. This promotes social justice by eliminating barriers that may disproportionately affect certain individuals or groups, such as those with limited mobility or language barriers.
Furthermore, by implementing regular monitoring and feedback systems, the intervention advocates for social justice by promoting accountability and equity in hand hygiene practices. All healthcare workers are held to the same standards and provided with the necessary support to comply with hand hygiene guidelines, regardless of their role or background.
Overall, the proposed intervention and objectives align with the principles of autonomy and social justice by empowering individuals, eliminating barriers, promoting accountability, and ensuring equal access to hand hygiene practices. By implementing these objectives, hospitals can create a culture of patient safety, protect the well-being of healthcare workers, and ultimately reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections within a period of hospital stay.