Hand hygiene adherence by healthcare professionals in an intensive care unit

Karine Kimberlly Rocha da Fonsêca, Lucas Mendes Feitosa Dias Jardel Harison da Costa Freitas, Liliane Oliveira do Nascimento, Evelyne Santana Girão

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the rate of adherence of health professionals regarding hand hygiene in an Intensive Care Unit. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach, carried out with data from the Hospital Infection Control Service obtained through direct observations carried out between January and July 2024 in the Intensive Care Unit of a reference hospital for infectious diseases in Fortaleza, Ceará. Results: The rate of adherence to Hand Hygiene in the Intensive Care Unit was 76.54%, with higher adherence among medical professionals, nurses, nursing technicians and transport assistants. Regarding the five moments of hand hygiene, the ones with the lowest adherence were before touching the patient and before performing a clean/aseptic procedure. It was also observed that 5.8% of the professionals used the glove instead of hand hygiene. Conclusion: By addressing these issues, healthcare institutions can not only increase adherence to hand hygiene, but also improve patient safety and quality of care in Intensive Care Units.

Published
2025-03-13