Enhancing Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention: The Role of Hand Hygiene, PPE, Isolation, and Vaccination Education
Advisor(s)
Dr. Karen Kier
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Paper
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Ballroom
Start Date
8-4-2025 3:10 PM
End Date
8-4-2025 3:25 PM
Abstract
Background: Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) are a growing concern in hospital settings. Compliance with hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and isolation precautions is essential to prevent infections and protect patients and staff.
Methods: Lima Memorial Health System implemented several initiatives to combat HAIs in 2024. First, hospital infection prevention policies were reviewed and clarified. Then, hand hygiene and PPE audits were conducted across multiple hospital floors, and educational materials were distributed to staff. Isolation (ISO) carts were inspected to ensure proper PPE availability. Additional infection prevention measures, including enhanced sanitation practices, were introduced. Vaccination documentation was encouraged during the fall 2024 influenza season, and an educational presentation on vaccine hesitancy was developed. Fourth-quarter data were analyzed to assess HAIs and vaccination rates.
Results: A correlation was found between HAIs and lapses in hygiene protocols. In the last quarter of 2024, 21 nurses failed to follow hand hygiene protocols, and 39 instances of improper or missing PPE use were recorded. These lapses contributed to infections such as Clostridium difficile, surgical site infections, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Education sessions had a 96.2% nurse participation rate. Influenza vaccination rates varied, with 42.3% of associates, 81.6% of providers, and 95% of students, volunteers, and other staff immunized.
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of proper hygiene, PPE adherence, and vaccination in preventing HAIs. Addressing noncompliance and vaccine hesitancy through education and policy reinforcement is crucial for improving infection control practices and patient safety in healthcare settings.
Recommended Citation
Rollo, Kaitlyn Noel, "Enhancing Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention: The Role of Hand Hygiene, PPE, Isolation, and Vaccination Education" (2025). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 27.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2025/Papers/27
Open Access
Available to all.
Enhancing Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention: The Role of Hand Hygiene, PPE, Isolation, and Vaccination Education
ONU McIntosh Center; Ballroom
Background: Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) are a growing concern in hospital settings. Compliance with hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and isolation precautions is essential to prevent infections and protect patients and staff.
Methods: Lima Memorial Health System implemented several initiatives to combat HAIs in 2024. First, hospital infection prevention policies were reviewed and clarified. Then, hand hygiene and PPE audits were conducted across multiple hospital floors, and educational materials were distributed to staff. Isolation (ISO) carts were inspected to ensure proper PPE availability. Additional infection prevention measures, including enhanced sanitation practices, were introduced. Vaccination documentation was encouraged during the fall 2024 influenza season, and an educational presentation on vaccine hesitancy was developed. Fourth-quarter data were analyzed to assess HAIs and vaccination rates.
Results: A correlation was found between HAIs and lapses in hygiene protocols. In the last quarter of 2024, 21 nurses failed to follow hand hygiene protocols, and 39 instances of improper or missing PPE use were recorded. These lapses contributed to infections such as Clostridium difficile, surgical site infections, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Education sessions had a 96.2% nurse participation rate. Influenza vaccination rates varied, with 42.3% of associates, 81.6% of providers, and 95% of students, volunteers, and other staff immunized.
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of proper hygiene, PPE adherence, and vaccination in preventing HAIs. Addressing noncompliance and vaccine hesitancy through education and policy reinforcement is crucial for improving infection control practices and patient safety in healthcare settings.