Why are Hospital-Acquired Covid-19 Infections still a problem?

In Denmark, during the omicron spike at the beginning of this year, a report from the Statens Serum Institute, a Danish research institute focusing on the spread of infectious diseases,  showed that more than every tenth patient has been infected with this variant in the hospitals over one month period. More specifically, from November 21 to December 25, 55 of the 330 omicron inpatients tested positive 48 hours or more after being admitted (1).

Everyone is aware that it’s extremely important to minimize the spread of Covid-19 in hospitals because many of the admitted patients have underlying chronic diseases which makes them more susceptible to severe symptoms, which extends the pressure on the healthcare system. Although many measures have been applied, there is never a complete certainty.

Coronavirus is far from the only infection that can be contracted if you are hospitalized. Other examples include MRSA, VRE, CRE, C. diff., P. aeruginosa, and E. coli.

The good news is that nearly all HAIs are preventable.

The role of Sani Nudge and Improved hand hygiene

Hand hygiene compliance is one of the most important measures for patient safety in healthcare. However, the lack of reliable hand hygiene data is a huge obstacle for any hospital in improving compliance rates and stopping the spread of infections. Without trustworthy and well-powered data you cannot evaluate the effect of different hand hygiene interventions and know when to launch new campaigns when the effect wears off.  

Although hand hygiene is a cost-effective way to lower infection rates in healthcare settings, a recent study pointed out that hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers did not increase during the COVID-19 pandemic as otherwise expected (2).

Even though basic hand hygiene is the most important strategy for preventing the transmission of infections, many hospitals fail to follow the suggested guidelines. It is also well known that people frequently overestimate their abilities, particularly when it comes to hand hygiene. 

Many studies have shown the relevance of feedback-based continuous monitoring methods. Seeing the statistics in person increases responsibility and strengthens the commitment to better treatment. (3)

Sani Nudge is the only patient-centred hand hygiene solution on the market that can increase patient safety and make healthcare workers champions of hand hygiene. By providing accurate hand hygiene analytics and individualized reports, healthcare workers feel empowered to improve their hand hygiene compliance, while creating a safer work environment.  

With Sani Nudge, every hospital can:  

• Reduce employee sick leave while minimizing healthcare-associated infections
• Reduce preventable deaths and the risk of infection to patients and staff with hand hygiene coaching at point-of-care
• Enhance patient experience and safety