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Impact of hand hygiene practices on reduction of nosocomial infection in the neonatal intensive care unit at King Hussein Medical Center Amman- Jordan
Hashem E. Aqrabawi MBBS MRCPCH
Ahmad F. Abu-Zeid MBBS
Amal N. Obeidat RN, ICM
Correspondence to:
Hashem E. Aqrabawi MBBS MRCPCH
Consultant neonatologist
King Hussein Medical Center/ Neonatal unit
Amman
Jordan
PO Box: 850892
Post Code: 11185
E mail: aqrabawi@hotmail.com"
Tel: 00962799018504
Abstract
Objective: To study the effectiveness of hand hygiene practices among personnel working in the neonatal unit at king Hussein Medical Center in reducing the rate of nosocomial infection.
Methods: The study was conducted over one year period starting from January 2009 to December 2009. Hand hygiene practices including hand washing and the use of alcohol-based solutions for hand rubbing were strictly implemented in the unit over that period of time. The rate of infection was calculated and compared with previous year.
Results: The infection rate had significantly dropped to low rates compared with previous year.
Conclusion: Simple hand hygiene practices are very effective and inexpensive methods in reducing infection rate among high-risk neonates. Compliance of health care workers with hand hygiene practices is crucial for reduction in infection rates in neonatal intensive care units.
Key words: hand hygiene, nosocomial infection.
Abbreviations : NICU, neonatal intensive care unit; SCBU, special care baby unit; KHMC, King Hussein Medical Center; ICM, infection control manager; HCW, health care worker; BSI, blood stream infection.
