Introduction:
Over 700,000 Americans each year are affected by infections acquired from health care providers or settings, and over 75,000 die from these incidents. The CDC estimates that there is at least one in 25 patients with a healthcare-acquired infection every day. Research shows proper hand washing procedure could lower these numbers. Nonetheless, many healthcare workers do not wash their hands for the minimum recommended 20 seconds and often times spend less than ten seconds on this task. Jefferson researchers created a novel method and device designed to provide a positive experience for the hand washer for 20 seconds.
The device works by counting down from when the soap is retrieved and continues counting down until it reaches zero (the completion of 20 seconds) or the user interrupts the process and collects paper towels early. Throughout the countdown, the screen provides content such as entertainment, educational, or social media feeds to prolong user engagement. Additionally, the Jefferson developed system has the potential to interface with a patient’s electronic medical record (EMR) to ensure proper hand washing techniques are specific for different precautions. By linking the system to an EMR in a healthcare setting, clinical staff can ensure completion of hand sanitation procedures while also minimizing hospital-acquired infection. A PCT application has been filed and Jefferson is currently seeking commercial partners for translation of this IP into clinical practice.
Application and Advantages:
• Novel system to engage a user and encourage washing hands for the minimum recommended 20 seconds
• Device entertains and/or educates the user to ensure proper protocol for hand washing and records successful and unsuccessful handwashing sessions for later review and evaluation for corrective education.
• System and device has the potential to connect to a patient’s electronic medical records to monitor customized appropriate precautions in a healthcare setting
Detailed Description:
Over 700,000 Americans each year are affected by infections acquired from health care providers or settings, and over 75,000 die from these incidents. The CDC estimates that there is at least one in 25 patients with a healthcare-acquired infection every day. Research shows that the simple procedure of proper hand washing could lower these numbers by preventing the spread of pathogens, including antibiotic resistant strains.
Jefferson researchers created a simple device that captures the attention of a hand washer for 20 seconds to encourage a complete handwashing process (20 seconds) thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission in a hospital setting. The Jefferson system includes five components: screen/tablet/computer, automatic soap dispenser, water faucet, paper towel dispenser, and a computer control system. While initially developed for use in a hospital setting, the device has both healthcare and general public applications.
The Jefferson developed device works by counting down from when soap is dispensed by the user to when paper towels are retrieved (early) or at the end of twenty seconds or the appropriate amount of time. A screen counts down the seconds for the hand washer while also providing content such as entertainment, educational, or social media feeds to keep the washer engaged. The entertainment includes jokes, puzzles, and brain teasers as well as educational data related to hand washing and proper hand washing techniques. The social media feed can connect to the individual’s social media to entertain them based off of their specific interests.
Additionally, the Jefferson developed device can work with a patient’s electronic medical record (EMR) to ensure proper hand washing techniques tailored to specific precautions. By linking the system to an EMR in a healthcare setting, clinical staff can ensure completion of proper hand sanitation procedures thereby minimizing the risk of transmission of preventable hospital-acquired infections to patients, their families and visitors, and other hospital staff. The system can also be used to track individual compliance with proper handwashing procedure using RFID readers.
A PCT application has been published on the device that supports proper protocol for hand hygiene, and Jefferson is currently seeking commercial partners for translation of this IP into clinical practice.
Development Progress: Jefferson built prototypes to test this system in the hospital. With these initial prototypes, a small study was conducted over a six month period in two locations. The experiment included a placebo period as well as a period that included the intervention. The results showed that system increased compliance with recommended handwashing procedure to 80%, from 18% in the placebo period.
The devices have been running for the past year and have received accolades from numerous departments and hospital leaders, and outside groups including Magnet and the Joint Commission. Jefferson worked designers to develop the next version of this product and is readying production of 50 units to deploy throughout a nursing unit.
Supporting Publications:
“Healthcare-Associated Infections.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Relevant patent filings:
Riggio, J: Method and system to occupy a subject while ensuring accordance with specific protocols for hand hygiene, Published PCT, PCT/US16/59,280.