In a study a simple video-based awareness programme significantly improved hand washing among family members visiting sick children in a paediatric intensive care unit. “Research has shown that hospital acquired infections occur in about ten percent of patients on general hospital wards, but that children on paediatric intensive care units have a 20 to 30 percent chance of becoming infected” says nurse researcher Dr Li-Chi Chiang from the China Medical University in Taiwan. 

“The video group started with an average score of 7.0 the first time we observed them and this rose to 8.6 by the fifth visit. The poster group were much less efficient at hand washing, starting at 4.7 and rising to 5.9. Both the groups had similar profiles and education levels and the researchers took part in the initial viewing and discussion sessions to ensure consistency. There was also a 20-day gap between the groups to ensure that families only took part in one training initiative.” Read more…