Issue:
Healthcare workers (HCW) are at increased risk of acquiring communicable diseases as well as antimicrobial resistant organisms. The most consistent variable in the adoption of safe work practices such as hand hygiene is safety climate, which can be enhanced through the effective implementation of safety programs such as the one proposed for HH. Assessing the implementation of a province-wide HH program and systematically evaluating its impact will provide valuable information about change management and safety climate promotion as well as assist other industries where HH is emphasized for worker and client safety.
Objectives:
The objectives of this proposal are to: 1) document the change management process with emphasis on the barriers and promoters to the successful implementation of a provincial HH program; 2) examine the effect of the program on HCW HH compliance; 3) assess the impact of a consistent HH program on HCW perceptions of a healthy work environment and; 4) ascertain the impact on worker health.
Anticipated Results:
It is anticipated that in the long-term the research will contribute to a reduction in the risk of acquisition of communicable disease and antimicrobial resistant pathogens. A successful program will also increase HCW confidence in the safety of the work environment. Central to the success of the program will be the identification of areas for intervention and improvement and HCW opinion on the measures to effect change.
Investigators:
Elizabeth Bryce (University of British Columbia)
