A pilot intervention to support improved hand hygiene at QECH TIPS Chatinkha
Date
2021-02-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
Type of research study:
Qualitative research study using In-depth interviews, focus group discussions and participant
observation
A formative study using a Trial of Improved Practice approach through qualitative research
methods (i.e. participant observation, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions)
Problem statement
Our recent assessment of hand hygiene practices in the Chatinkha neonatal unit identified
intermittent availability lack of water, soap, and hand sanitizers as a key barrier for medical staff,
patients and guardians to perform these practices effectively. Understanding the barriers and
opportunities to the use of hand sanitizers to facilitate proper hand hygiene in this high risk setting
will enable an effective roll-out plan to be established across QECH and other health care settings in
Malawi.
Broad Objective: To determine pilot the level of acceptance, barriers, and opportunities for the long-term use of
hand sanitizer for infection prevention and control in Chatinkha neonatal unit at QECH Specific Objectives: 1. To assess the current barriers and attitudes of health care workers, patients and guardians
towards hand hygiene practice;
2. Develop a program for the implementation of hand sanitizer use for hand hygiene appropriate
for health care workers, patients and guardians
2.3. To determine the level of acceptance, barriers and opportunities for long term use of hand
sanitizer among health care workers, patients and guardians
3. Trial the pilot intervention in the Chatinkha neonatal unit.
Methodology:
The study will use the Trials of Improved Practice approach. TIPs is a formative research
technique used to pre-test the actual practices that a future programme may aim to promote. The
procedure consists a series of visits in which the interviewer and the participant analyse current
practices, discuss what could be improved, and together reach an agreement on one or a few
solutions to try.
These are then trialed on a small scale as an iterative process with feedback loops from
participants to inform future plans. Importantly TIPs focusses on behaviour, what people do, rather
than knowledge, or what people know or believe. Trials are the best way to gauge the acceptability
of new practices and learn how to promote and support them.
Within the TIPS model, we will use qualitative research methodologies, including participant
observation, semi-structured qualitative interview and focus group discussions with front-line staff
(including ancillary, allied health professional staff and medical and nursing staff), and with caregivers
Ethnographic fieldwork involving interviews, focus group discussions and participant
observation. However
Expected findings:
Barriers and opportunities to effective hand hygiene will be identified and it is anticipated that use
of hand sanitizers will be accepted by both health care workers and guardians, . as a means of
minimizing the risk of infection transmission.
It is anticipated that use of hand sanitizers will be accepted by both health care workers and
guardians. Further to that, barriers to its use will be identified and further opportunities will be
created to provide an alternative solution to hand washing, with the aim of minimizing the risk of
infection transmission.
Dissemination: Feedback workshops will be held with relevant stake holders including unit staff and guardians. We
will then hold wider dissemination of study findings, to Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QECH)
management. Results will also be presented at Malawi College of Medicine Research Ethics Committee and disseminated to the Ministry of Health, Malawi. We will consider
presenting findings at national and international conferences and aim to publish findings in academic
journals.
Description
Keywords
Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE