Healthcare personnel perceptions of hand hygiene monitoring technology.
OBJECTIVE
To assess healthcare personnel (HCP) perceptions regarding implementation of sensor-based electronic systems for automated hand hygiene adherence monitoring.


METHODS
Using a mixed-methods approach, structured focus groups were designed to elicit quantitative and qualitative responses on familiarity, comfort level, and perceived impact of sensor-based hand hygiene adherence monitoring.


METHODS
A university hospital, a Veterans Affairs hospital, and a community hospital in the Midwest.


METHODS
Focus groups were homogenous by HCP type, with separate groups held for leadership, midlevel management, and frontline personnel at each hospital.


RESULTS
Overall, 89 HCP participated in 10 focus groups. Levels of familiarity and comfort with electronic oversight technology varied by HCP type; when compared with frontline HCP, those in leadership positions were significantly more familiar with ([Formula: see text]) and more comfortable with ([Formula: see text]) the technology. The most common concerns cited by participants across groups included lack of accuracy in the data produced, such as the inability of the technology to assess the situational context of hand hygiene opportunities, and the potential punitive use of data produced. Across groups, HCP had decreased tolerance for electronic collection of spatial-temporal data, describing such oversight as Big Brother.


CONCLUSIONS
While substantial concerns were expressed by all types of HCP, participants' recommendations for effective implementation of electronic oversight technologies for hand hygiene monitoring included addressing accuracy issues before implementation and transparent communication with frontline HCP about the intended use of the data.
Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. kellingson@cdc.gov
Katherine
K
Ellingson
Philip M
PM
Polgreen
Amy
A
Schneider
Laura
L
Shinkunas
Lauris C
LC
Kaldjian
Donald
D
Wright
Geb W
GW
Thomas
Alberto M
AM
Segre
Ted
T
Herman
L Clifford
LC
McDonald
Ronda
R
Sinkowitz-Cochran
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004581:Electronics; D017144:Focus Groups; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000592:standards*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006740:Hospital Administrators / Q000523:psychology; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D016357:Infection Control Practitioners / Q000523:psychology; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology; D010465:Perception