Identifying issues with poor hand hygiene compliance in the emergency department using a self-assessment framework

Introduction: Hand hygiene compliance (HHC) in the Emergency Department (ED) was significantly lower than the rest of Austin Health at 58.9% (95%CI 54.0-63.7%) compared to 79.3% (95%CI 78.1-80.5%). Reasons were unknown, but potentially related to workflow and limited alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) access. There was a lack of engagement from ED staff who suggested the 5 moments didn’t apply to them and were also ‘too difficult’.