EBP task 2 hand hygiene.docx Evidence Based Practice and Applied Nursing Research Task

EBP task 2 hand hygiene.docx    Evidence Based Practice and Applied Nursing Research  Task 2 – XAP1-0219  Western Governors University  Evidence Based Practice and Applied Nursing Research  Healthcare problem  Healthcare associated infections affect patients, staff and health systems in many ways.  These infections include but not limited to surgical site infections, catheter associated urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections and pneumonia.  The increased number of incidents can be directly linked to the lack of hand hygiene.    Significance of the problem  These healthcare associated infections are a cause of extended stay in the hospital which increases cost for the health system and patient. This decreases patient satisfaction. Creates longer healing times.  These infections are the cause of elevated morbidity and mortality.  Healthcare workers are a pivotal conduit in transmitting these infections from patient to patient.   Current practice related to the problem  Current practice is healthcare workers have minimal training on hand washing.  Their hand washing is substandard.  Since there is no follow through healthcare workers do not perform quality hand washing.  They do not wash their hands enough or long enough due to time restraints. Healthcare providers do not always wash or use hand sanitizer before and after patient interaction.   Even though hand hygiene is the number one way to prevent the spread of hospital acquired infections, adherence has continued to be low.    Impact of