The experiences of nurses’ hand hygiene compliance in advanced recovery room care (ARRC): A descriptive phenomenological study

Lijun Xin; Zaneta Smith; Yvette Salamon

doi:10.26550/2209-1092.1379

Authors

Lijun Xin University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide hospital https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5660-3803
Dr Zaneta Smith University of Adelaide https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5575-1165
Yvette Salamon University of adelaide

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26550/2209-1092.1379

Keywords:

phenomenology, nurse, hand hygiene, compliance, advance recovery room care unit, post anaesthetic care unit

Abstract

Background: Hand hygiene is vital in preventing health care–associated infection, yet compliance rates remain suboptimal across different clinical settings. Limited research has focused on hand hygiene compliance within the Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Hence, this study aimed to understand factors that hindered or promoted compliance within a specialised PACU unit, the advanced recovery room care (ARRC) unit in a major
tertiary hospital.
Methods: A descriptive phenomenological design was employed, and data was collected using the purposive sampling method through in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted with ten registered nurses working in a major tertiary hospital ARRC unit. The data was analysed using Giorgi’s five-step phenomenological approach.
Results: Four major themes were identified in this study which encompassed the various challenges and opportunities faced by nurses in maintaining effective hand hygiene practices within the ARRC unit. The themes were: hand hygiene practice, education and compliance; leadership roles and functions; safety and compliance measures; and infrastructure and resources.
Conclusions: This study indicates that strong leadership, continuous education, improved infrastructure and regular audits are vital for reinforcing hand hygiene practices within the PACU unit. The findings emphasise an urgent need for continuous vigilance, innovation and improvements in leadership, training and infrastructure to ensure that infection control standards are maintained within PACU units.

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