Monitoring System Improves Hand Washing Compliance

A novel hand-hygiene compliance system more than doubles hand washing instances observance among hospital staff using the system.

The Hill-Rom Hand Hygiene Compliance Solution uses badge-based locating technology to provide automatic, continuous monitoring and recording of every time a staff member uses a hand-hygiene station, establishing a 24/7 tracking and reminder system that fits seamlessly into clinical workflow, helping hospital teams change hand washing behavior. The solution works in concert with hands-on clinical support and best-in-class technology. To implement, caregivers simply wear a lightweight badge, and go about their normal hand-hygiene activities.


No change to established hand-hygiene protocols are necessary and the solution also supports process-improvement initiatives by providing hand-hygiene event data at all levels, from hospital to individual staff. Proactive alerts notify staff of potential “missed” hand-hygiene opportunities. The solution itself is cable-free, and leverages existing hand sanitizer and soap dispensers. The Hill-Rom Holdings (Batesville, IN , USA), and the real-time locating technology can also be leveraged for nurse calls, smart bed connectivity, staff locating, asset tracking, and environmental monitoring.

“Hand washing is simple, but also simple to forget in a busy health care environment,” said Alton Shader, senior vice president and president (North America) of Hill-Rom. “Our system is extremely effective at helping hospital teams move the needle on compliance - the first step toward decreasing hospital-acquired infections.”

“It's all about forming a habit. Once caregivers get used to the system, they're eager and excited to see their results posted at the end of each week. We showcase our highest individual compliance performer on a monthly basis,” said Javier Reyes Mar, MD, head of epidemiologic surveillance at Medica Sur Hospital (Mexico City, Mexico). “Our caregivers strive to continuously improve and do better. They're pleased with the ease of use of the system and it is encouraging to them that they are positively impacting the lives of the patients through this solution.”

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