Ideas that Work: Creative Compliance

You might use covert monitoring methods and punitive punishments to improve your staff's compliance with hand hygiene protocols, but I believe in overt observations and positive reinforcements. One day, while making rounds to observe my staff in action, I didn't have anything to write on and ended up grabbing a nearby paper towel. I jotted down my thoughts and later transferred them to a formal auditing tool. Staff members shared a good-natured laugh at my impromptu note-taking method — but it also got their attention, so I continued the practice. Now, the sight of me with a paper towel and pen in hand serves as a constant reminder to practice proper hand hygiene.

Victoria Brozovich, RN, CAPA
Monticello Community Surgery Center
Charlottesville, Va.
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