Dataset Information

Measuring compliance with transmission-based isolation precautions: comparison of paper-based and electronic data collection.

ABSTRACT: Decreasing the transmission of resistant organisms in hospitals is a key goal of infection prevention plans. Studies have consistently shown inadequate health care worker (HCW) compliance with isolation precautions. Evaluating adherence through direct observation of HCW behavior is considered the "gold standard" but is labor-intensive, requiring the collection and analysis of a large volume of observations.Two methods of data collection to assess HCW compliance were evaluated: a manual method using a paper form (PF), with subsequent data entry into a database, and an electronic method using a Web-based form (WBF) with real-time data recording. Observations were conducted at 4 hospitals (a total of 2,065 beds) to assess the availability of gloves, gowns, and masks; isolation sign postings; and HCW isolation practices.A total of 13,878 isolation rooms were observed in 2009. The median number of rooms observed per day was 61 for PF and 60 for WBF, and the respective mean observation times per room were 149 seconds and 60 seconds. Thus, use of the WBF provided a time savings of 89 seconds per room.Simple electronic forms can significantly decrease the required resources for monitoring HCW adherence to hospital policies. Use of the WBF decreased the observation time by 60%, allowing for increases in the frequency and intensity of surveillance activities.

SUBMITTER: Ross B

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3193891 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Measuring compliance with transmission-based isolation precautions: comparison of paper-based and electronic data collection.

Ross Barbara B Marine Melissa M Chou Mei M Cohen Bevin B Chaudhry Rohit R Larson Elaine E Landers Timothy T Behta Maryam M

American journal of infection control 20110707 10

<h4>Background</h4>Decreasing the transmission of resistant organisms in hospitals is a key goal of infection prevention plans. Studies have consistently shown inadequate health care worker (HCW) compliance with isolation precautions. Evaluating adherence through direct observation of HCW behavior is considered the "gold standard" but is labor-intensive, requiring the collection and analysis of a large volume of observations.<h4>Methods</h4>Two methods of data collection to assess HCW compliance ...[more]

PMID: 21737176

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Project description:Background:Isolation precautions are intended to prevent transmission of infectious agents, yet healthcare provider (HCP) adherence remains suboptimal. This may be due to ambiguity regarding the required precautions or to cognitive overload of HCPs. In response to the challenge of changing HCP behaviour, increasing attention should be paid to the role of engineering controls and facility design that incorporate human factors elements. In the current study, we aimed to develop an isolation precaution signage system that provides visual cues, serves as a cognitive aid at the point of care, and removes ambiguity regarding which precautions are necessary (e.g. masks, gowns, gloves, single rooms) when caring for isolated patients. Methods:We employed a user-centred, participatory design approach in which HCPs were actively involved in generating an isolation precaution signage system based on human factors design principles. HCPs were purposefully sampled for each design phase to include a representative sample of potential system users. We conducted front-end analysis through interviews and observations to identify challenges related to the existing signage and to establish design requirements for new signage. This was followed by the creation of user personas, design thinking workshops, and prototyping, which then underwent iterative cycles of evaluation. Graphical symbols were developed and tested for comprehensibility. Results:Front-end analysis revealed several barriers to use of the current signage system such as unclear target audience, low signal-to-noise ratio, and ambiguity regarding the applicable precautions. A comprehensive list of design requirements was generated. The project ultimately resulted in a collection of validated, comprehensible symbols and signs for contact, droplet, and airborne isolation, as well as the identification of several systems-level solutions for work re-organisation to improve compliance with isolation precautions. Conclusions:The introduction of visual cues in the form of signage offers a promising opportunity to make guidelines available directly at the frontline. Anecdotal evidence based on observations and interviews with HCP have shown that the current solution is superior to previous isolation signage. User-centred participatory design was a useful approach that holds potential for further improving design in healthcare settings.

Dataset Information

Measuring compliance with transmission-based isolation precautions: comparison of paper-based and electronic data collection.

Publications

Measuring compliance with transmission-based isolation precautions: comparison of paper-based and electronic data collection.

Similar Datasets

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