Approximating the cost-benefit analysis to a badge system to track hand hygiene in the hospital setting

TL;DR

This paper models how a badge system can improve hand hygiene in hospitals, reducing infections and saving costs.

Contribution

A novel badge system is proposed to track and improve hand hygiene compliance in hospitals.

Findings

Each 10% increase in compliance reduces about 7.5 HAIs per year per 100 beds.

A 10% compliance increase saves around $100,000 annually per 100 beds.

The badge system is cost-effective and reduces healthcare-associated infections.

Abstract

To model the impact of a badge system on hand hygiene and the impact of increased compliance rates on HAIs with the associated cost savings.

We consider a variable number of targeted beds within a hospital.

Using a Markov chain model, we estimate the effect of hand hygiene compliance on HAI transmission over the course of a year. Based on a given level of compliance, the estimated savings are also calculated.

With each 10% increment increase in compliance, we estimate a decrease in approximately 7.5 HAIs per year per 100 targeted beds. A 10% increase above baseline in compliance also results in around $100,000 cost savings per year per 100 targeted beds.

Due to the relative low cost of implementation and upkeep to the badge system, the reduction in HAIs and increase in cost savings make the badge system a worthwhile addition.

Figures