title: An alternative methodology for interpretation and reporting of hand hygiene compliance data.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Since 2009, all hospitals in Ontario have been mandated to publicly report health care provider compliance with hand hygiene opportunities (http://www.health.gov.on.ca/patient_safety/index.html). Hand hygiene compliance (HHC) is reported for 2 of the 4 moments during the health care provider-patient encounter. This study analyzes the HHC data by using an alternative methodology for interpretation and reporting.
  
  
  METHODS
  Annualized HHC data were available for fiscal years 2009 and 2010 for each of the 5 hospital corporations (6 sites) in the North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network. The weighted average for HHC was used to estimate the overall observed rate for HHC for each hospital and reporting period. Using Bayes' probability theorem, this estimate was used to predict the probability that any patient would experience HHC for at least 75% of hand hygiene moments. This probability was categorized as excellent (≥75%), above average (50%-74%), below average (25%-49%), or poor (<25%). The results were reported using a balanced scorecard display.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall observed rates for HHC ranged from 50% to 87% (mean, 75% ± 11%, P = .079). Using the alternative methodology for reporting, 6 of the 12 reporting periods would be categorized as excellent, 1 as above average, 2 as below average, and 3 as poor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Population-level HHC data can be converted to patient-level risk information. Reporting this information to the public may increase the value and understandability of this patient safety indicator.
authors.affiliation: North Simcoe Muskoka Infection Control Network, Orillia, Ontario, Canada. gdidiodato@gmail.com
authors.forename: Giulio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: DiDiodato
mesh_terms: D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D009864:Ontario; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*