# Patient-reported education regarding hand hygiene and use of non-sterile clinical gloves in an emergency department observation unit

## TL;DR

This study examines how well healthcare workers educate patients on hand hygiene and proper use of gloves in an emergency department.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into healthcare workers' adherence to patient education on hand hygiene and glove use in an observation unit.

## Key findings

- Only 8.6% of patients reported receiving education on hand hygiene.
- Unnecessary use of non-sterile gloves was observed in nine procedures.
- Correct glove use was consistently followed in six procedures.

## Abstract

Patient education regarding hand hygiene (HH) and the correct use of non-sterile clinical gloves (NSCGs) are important parts of infection prevention and control. Unnecessary use of NSCGs can be harmful, has associated financial costs, and harms the environment. This study aimed to explore healthcare workers' (HCWs) adherence to patient education regarding HH and the correct use of NSCGs in an observation unit.

Data in this observational descriptive cross-sectional study were collected from patients using a questionnaire. The questionnaire asked about the patient education received and the use of NSCGs by HCWs. The correctness of NSCG use was determined by the investigators based on standard precautions on infection prevention and control. Statistical analysis and qualitative content analysis were performed.

The convenience sample consisted of 174 patients in an observation unit at Helsinki University Hospital, and 600 care, examination or test procedures conducted for patients. The response rate was 87%. Of the participating patients, 8.6% reported that they had received patient education on HH. Eighteen different procedures were conducted for the study patients. The use of NSCGs was always correct for six procedures. Unnecessary use of NSCGs was found (to varying degrees) for nine procedures, and insufficient use of NSCGs was found for three procedures. An association was found between a procedure/procedure type conducted for a patient and the correct use of NSCGs (P<0.001).

Deviations from the standard precautions existed. Interventions for HCWs are needed to support routine patient education on HH and evidence-based use of NSCGs.