• Thorough handwashing reduces hospital infection rates.washing hands image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com
  
  

Random Audits Work Best

• Random handwashing audits are a way to collect accurate data and create a washing compliance (run) chart, according to the Institute for Health Care Improvement. These runs show the progress of various safety improvements such as hand hygiene. A random audit of key processes will effectively improve compliance with hand hygiene guidelines.
  
  

Scheduled Audits Work Best

• Audit health care workers twice a year; directly observe their compliance with hand hygiene guidelines. Direct observation focuses on two components, according a report published by Sheila Donlon and Fidelma Fitzpatrick in Epi-Insight: hand hygiene technique and health care worker behaviors, determining when and where workers are more likely to comply.
  
  

Bottom Line

• Both types of audits are flawed with methodological assumptions. Use both audit methods to gain a more clear understanding of the guideline adherence by all health care workers. Make handwashing products readily available throughout the work place, while encouraging staff feedback and suggestions. These simple measures will enhance worker compliance.