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Hand Hygiene Deficiency Citations in Nursing Homes

Journal Article
August 1, 2012

This study asserts that hand hygiene is stronger in nursing homes with higher staffing levels of nurse aides, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses. Results indicate that in understaffed facilities, overworked nurses and nurse aides are less likely to take the time to wash their hands properly. The authors note that good hand hygiene has been proven to reduce the spread of communicable diseases.

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Key Takeaways

An average of nine percent of nursing homes per year received a hand hygiene deficiency citation.
Low staffing levels were associated with receiving a hand hygiene deficiency citation.
Given this research, more attention should be paid to hand hygiene in nursing homes.
 

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