Methodological and technical considerations for video-based auditing of hand hygiene compliance in clinical practice: an exploratory study

Background: Direct observation is the gold standard method for measuring hand hygiene compliance but its utility is increasingly being questioned. Various alternative electronic methods have been proposed, yet there is a paucity of research examining the use of these according to the World Health Organization's (WHO) '5 Moments for Hand Hygiene'. As a part of the process of developing a video-based monitoring system (VMS) capable of measuring hand hygiene compliance against the 5 moments criteria this paper reports methodological and technical issues that might arise from the use of a VMS for auditing in clinical practice. Methods: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 Australian content experts in hand hygiene auditing and infection prevention to explore their responses to proposed VMS auditing approaches. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic and content analysis. Results: Technical and methodological considerations for the use of VMS were interrelated and included concerns surrounding privacy, footage security, fears of surveillance and the potential for medico-legal consequences. Additionally, possible detrimental impacts on healthcare worker (HCW)-patient relationships, issues of cost versus benefits, HCW and patient safety and changes to feedback were also identified. Conclusions: The primary methodological and technical issues to overcome in order to implement VMS for hand hygiene auditing in clinical practice, centered upon issues of acceptability to patients and health professionals, privacy, consent and liability. Checklist: COREQ (c) 2021 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study explored methodological and technical considerations of using a video monitoring system (VMS) for hand hygiene auditing, highlighting concerns about privacy, security, and potential impacts on healthcare worker-patient relationships, cost-effectiveness, safety, and feedback mechanisms.