A clinical problem I would like to research (or at least have the results available) involves hospital acquired infections (HAI). CMS will no longer reimburse providers for HAIs. One area in particular I would like to research involves hand hygiene as it applies to the patient.This study would be easy to carry out and is feasible.

I always offer hand sanitizer to the patient after assisting with toileting and am dismayed when the patient replies, “You are the only one who has done this.” Since the patient’s hands may be contaminated as they may handle their lines, etc I wonder what impact this has on infection rates. I would like to compare the infection rates in a unit who implements a strict patient hand hygiene program with a unit who observes the standard practice. [Read more...]