Hand Hygiene of Nurses - Essay Example

Hand Washing and Action Planning Literature Review Hand washing is one of the most important habits which can effectively prevent infection and disease. When encountered with different challenges however, this habit may not be ensured. One of the methods by which hand washing can be improved is the implementation of an action plan. Action planning in hand washing refers to the process of establishing a plan or schedule when the activity would be carried out. In the paper by Erasmus and colleagues (2010; Nicol, et.al., 2009), the importance of action planning, was established as one of the effective ways hand washing among nurses can be improved. Action planning involves active participation in the hand washing process, for example, nurses may list when they are supposed to wash their hands. This was also supported in the study by Nicol, et.al., (2009; Curtis, et.al., 2009) where the authors emphasized the theory of planned behaviour. The study revealed that the theory of planned behaviour could sufficiently help improve the education and training of nurses in hand hygiene behaviour (Nicol, et.al., 2009; Curtis, et.al., 2009). This study was also able to demonstrate that deep-seated habits which are incorporated well into a person’s activities have a significant potential of improving a certain activity or behaviour (Nicol, et.al., 2009; Curtis, et.al., 2009). The theory of planned behaviour also points out that where individuals unconsciously apply certain activities, they also learn to carry out hand washing activities where necessary (Nicol, et.al., 2009; Curtis, et.al., 2009). This study provides a more in-depth and personalized verbalization of how habits and planned activities can lead to better hand washing compliance. The value of planned behaviour in the promotion of hand washing was also explored in the study by Curtis, et.al. (2009; Nicol, et.al., 2009). The authors were able to establish that hand washing is a habitual behaviour and planning it into a person’s life can help ensure that it would always be carried out. This study explored the value of planned and habitual activities which can eventually be incorporated into a person’s life (Curtis, et.al., 2009; Nicol, et.al., 2009). It also relates the value of building habitual behaviour in relation to hand washing. Through this study, a holistic and specific picture of hand washing is obtained, including the impact of planned habits and behaviour on its compliance. Research Methods Research Question: What are the barriers to hand washing which nurses working in the emergency unit are encountering within their eight hour shifts? The qualitative research would be appropriate for this research because qualitative studies have more conceptual applications and throughout the years this method of research has proven to be more useful in nursing and midwifery (Shneider, Whitehead, and Elliott, 2007). This method provides a more in-depth and personal assessment of respondents, assessing behaviour and studying the specific impact of activities and phenomena. The respondents in qualitative research are chosen and placed in the role of clients, and through the inquiry of the clients, possible change in behaviour can be implemented (Schneider, et.al., 2007). It can evaluate people’s experience, and study why things often turn out the way they do. Since it usually covers a smaller group of respondents, it can also be less costly as a research tool. The phenomenological type of qualitative research will be appropriate for this research because phenomenological studies seek to evaluate and assess phenomena, behaviour, or activities (Schneider, et.al., 2007). Through this type of research, issues with the phenomenon or behaviour can be uncovered and understood better. It is also appropriate in nursing and midwifery because it is a type of research which seeks to understand behaviour, from the perspective of those who are receiving and those who are providing care (Schneider, et.al., 2007). Qualitative phenomenological research is appropriate for this study because it is the type of research which can make a more in-depth and personal evaluation of the respondents and their experiences in relation to hand washing. The study can also ensure a more reflective assessment of the responses, ensuring that the phenomenon can be studied in the actual clinical setting for nurses. Reflection and Insight Reflection I noted that the video can actually be shown to children as well as to adults, even clinical nurses in order to demonstrate how they may also be distracted and challenged by various barriers in their application of proper hand washing techniques. The video may feature children, however, adults can also easily disregard or forget to wash their hands, especially when they are distracted or when they are very busy. In order to stimulate positive change in the nursing practice, I can also demonstrate to the nurses how distractions in the clinical setting can prevent them from carrying out the vital function of hand washing. I can actually test the nurses also, try to place them in scenarios when they would likely be distracted, busy, and overwhelmed by their responsibilities. Under these conditions, I could then note how potential sources of bacteria can be transferred due to the lack of the nurses’ vigilance in hand washing. I also believe that the techniques applied by the researcher in the video can be applied to the clinical setting as a means of ensuring hand washing. Personal motivation, changing the environment, deliberate practice, and peer pressure can also serve as means by which effective changes in the clinical setting can be ensured. Insight on value of innovative research This assignment altered my perception on the value of innovative research and its impact in assisting nursing practice. Innovative research can provide a fresh perspective on the nursing practice. The usual practices and research can sometimes lose their impact on nurses and be ignored as irrelevant. However, innovative research can be a wake-up call, providing a jolt to the usual habits of individuals, especially those involved in health care. This research will also help promote positive change to the nursing practice, ensuring that hand washing becomes instinctive and would need no further prompting or reminders. It also provides a foundation for evidence-based practice in relation to hand washing. References Curtis, V, Danquah, L, & Aunger, R 2009, ‘Planned, motivated and habitual hygiene behaviour: an eleven country review,’ Health Education Research, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 655-673. Erasmus, V, Kuperus, M, Richardsus, J, & Vos, M 2010, ‘Improving hand hygiene behaviour of nurses using action planning: a pilot study in the intensive care unit and surgical ward,’ Journal of Hospital Infection, vol. 76, pp. 161-164. Nicol, P, Watkins, R, Donovan, R, & Wynaden, D 2009, ‘The power of vivid experience in hand hygiene compliance,’ Journal of Hospital Infection, vol. 72, pp. 36-42. Schneider, Z, Whitehead, D & Elliott, D (eds), 2007, Nursing and Midwifery Research: Methods and Appraisal for evidence-based practice, 3rd edn, Mosby, Sydney. Read More