Observational study on hand hygiene practice of NICU nurses in selected hospitals, Puducherry

Abstract

Introduction: Hand hygiene is considered as primary measure for reducing the risk of transmitting organisms to patients and health care personnel (HCP). Objectives: To assess the hand hygiene practice of nursing personnel in neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods: The study was conducted among 20 staff nurses in NICU in the selected hospitals at Puducherry. Study approach and design was quantitative and descriptive design, purposive sampling technique was used. The instrument used for data collection was observational checklist which consists of five moments of hand washing.

Results: 12(60%) subjects used hand washing before and after gowning procedure. 15(75%) subjects were used hand rub before patient contact. 9(45%) subjects were used hand rub after contact with patient , equipment, or removing gloves. 12(60%) subjects were used hand washing after body fluid exposure risk,1(5%)subjects were used hand washing before preparing medications,5(25%) subjects were used hand washing before handling EBM,9(45%)subjects used hand rub before and after aseptic procedure,11(55%) subjects were used hand washing before and after changing diaper,14(70%) subjects used hand washing after handling laundry or wastes,18(90%) subjects were used hand washing before and after eating.

Conclusion: the above result shows that through all the nurses were aware about the hand washing techniques but proper practice was lacking. NICU is the high risk area for the babies to get infection, so hand washing must be strictly followed