Compliance with hand disinfection practices in the operating rooms: An observational study

Background: Hand hygiene (HH) using alcohol-based hand rub is critical for preventing surgical site infections. Despite multiple HH opportunities during perioperative care, compliance among operation room staff remains unclear. 

Objectives: This study aimed to observe HH compliance among surgical and anesthesia and nursing staff in operating theatres at a governmental hospital in Jordan offering general and speciality surgeries.

Methods: A trained observers assessed HH compliance based on the WHO’s “My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene” (WHO-5) model. A total of 930 HH opportunities were recorded. Chi-square test and cross-tabulations were used to comparing occupational groups and medical specialties. 

Results: Of the 930 observed opportunities, 46.2% were compliant. HH compliance was highest after body fluid exposure (55.9%) and lowest after contact with patient surroundings (33.0%). Most observations (72.8%) occurred inside the operating room. Significant differences in compliance were observed between males and females.

Conclusion: Although healthcare professionals understand the importance of HH, high workload and overlapping procedures hinder compliance. Hospital management should implement targeted interventions and stricter monitoring to improve HH adherence in surgical settings.

Nursing implication: Nurses should prioritize hand hygiene compliance by integrating it into workflow routines despite high workloads, thereby reducing surgical site infections and enhancing patient safety.