Have You Washed your Hands?: A Study of Handwashing Practices Among Nurses Working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Presenter Information

Nicole LaFontsee, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Stacy Novak, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Emily Cox, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Sarah Bagshaw, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Kelly Scott, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

9-4-2012 1:00 PM

End Date

9-4-2012 2:30 PM

Student's Major

School of Nursing

Student's College

Allied Health and Nursing

Mentor's Name

Marcia Stevens

Mentor's Department

School of Nursing

Mentor's College

Allied Health and Nursing

Description

Neonates are extremely vulnerable when exposed to pathogens due to their immature immune systems. Newby (2008) recognized that infection rates in NICU’s vary from 6% to greater than 40%. Previous studies also suggest there is a correlation between poor hand hygiene practices and increased rate of infection in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. This leads to poor health outcomes and increased length of stay as well as increased healthcare costs.

Study Purpose: The purpose of this study will be to examine what barriers nurses working in a neonatal ICU encounter when washing their hands. In addition handwashing practices will be examined.

Design: This study will use a focus group design. Participants will be asked semi-structured interview questions Setting: 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Midwest.

Sample Size: Approximately sixty nurses.

Method: Data will be collected during 4 focus groups.

Data analysis: The researchers will independently code and categorize the manuscript data. The researchers will meet to arrive at a final consensus of the independently categorized data to arrive at comprehensive conceptual themes.