Effectiveness of a Glo Germ-based assessment and educational intervention to improve hand hygiene compliance among hospital cleaning staff

TL;DR

A Glo Germ-based method and education improved hand hygiene compliance among hospital cleaning staff, with significant reductions in non-compliance after the intervention.

Contribution

Demonstrates the effectiveness of Glo Germ and targeted education in improving hand hygiene practices among non-medical hospital staff.

Findings

Pre-intervention, 33.75% of staff showed inadequate hand hygiene with Glo Germ fluorescence.

Post-intervention, non-compliance dropped to 8.75%, and knowledge scores significantly improved.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a Glo Germ-based method in evaluating hand hygiene (HH) compliance among hospital cleaning staff and examine the impact of a corresponding educational intervention on improving HH practices. Glo Germ, a fluorescent simulation agent, provides a visually intuitive tool for HH assessment, especially for staff with limited medical backgrounds; residual fluorescence under UV light indicates inadequate cleaning. Eighty cleaning staff (54 females, 26 males; mean age 48.5 ± 6.4 years, ≥1 year of experience, prior HH training) were included. A questionnaire assessed HH knowledge (indications, techniques, duration), and the 45-min educational intervention involved demonstration and hands-on practice. No long-term follow-up was conducted.

Baseline HH efficacy was assessed via Glo Germ and a structured questionnaire. Targeted educational interventions were implemented based on baseline results, followed by reassessment using the same methods. Pre- and post-intervention handwashing pass rates and knowledge scores were compared.

Pre-intervention, 27/80 (33.75%) participants showed residual fluorescence (most frequent in interdigital spaces: 13.75%, fingertips: 12.50%, dorsal fingers 2–5: 11.25%). Post-intervention, non-compliance dropped to 7/80 (8.75%, p < 0.05). Knowledge pass rates for HH indications, techniques, and duration also significantly increased (p < 0.05).

Glo Germ is a rapid, effective tool for HH assessment among hospital cleaning staff. Combined with targeted educational interventions, it significantly enhances HH practices and knowledge.

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