Hand Hygiene Deficiencies Linked to Staffing Levels

In a recent study, researchers tied an increase in the number of hand hygiene deficiencies observed in nursing homes to inadequate staffing levels.

The researchers found that nursing homes with proportionately fewer RNs, LPNs and aides were significantly more likely to have hand hygiene deficiencies than facilities with more staff. Additionally, nursing homes in states with lower Medicaid reimbursement rates were also more likely to have lapses in handwashing.

The study also noted that inspectors, spurred by increased awareness of healthcare-acquired infections, are becoming more vigilant about looking for hand hygiene lapses. Between 2000 and 2002, inspectors issued hand hygiene deficiencies in fewer than 7.4 percent of facilities. By 2009, that number had jumped to 12 percent.

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