Case study: FL hospital uses IT to monitor hand washing

The University of Miami UM-JMH Center for Patient Safety at Jackson Memorial Hospital is taking hand-washing awareness to a new level, with a new program that tests hand hygiene compliance using IT tools.

The program uses infrared and RFID technologies to collect and time-stamp employee hand-washing sessions. The center, which is using IR-RF tech from Versus Technology, hopes to reduce hospital-acquired infections. Dynamic Computer Corporation of Farmington Hills, Mich. provided and integrated the hand washing compliance solution for the University of Miami's Center for Patient Safety.

To monitor hand washing, the program uses small IR-RF sensors in soap dispensing units. The units read staff IDs and monitor the location and times of hand washing. This lets the hospital track hand washing and report on problem areas for additional training. It also allows hospitals to let staff members know, in real time, when they forget to wash up.

To learn more about this program:
- read this Health Data Management piece

Related Articles:
New Hampshire rolls out hand-washing program
Study: Hand gel not enough to curb infections
Hospital CEO bonuses linked to safety
Poor hygiene, controls increase hospital infections