In a study presented at the APIC 2013 Conference, researchers found a 92% increase in hand hygiene compliance rates (from 16.5% at baseline to 31.7%) when an electronic monitoring system was included in a hand hygiene program. During the post-study period, the rate decreased to 25.8%, still significantly above baseline.

“Through the study, we found that implementation of an electronic hand hygiene compliance monitoring system as part of a clinical hand hygiene program can significantly increase hand hygiene compliance,” said Sarah Edmonds, lead author of the study. “We also are aware that additional data is needed to better understand the impact of electronic compliance monitoring programs on clinical outcomes, such as infection rates.”

The study was sponsored by GOJO Industries, manufacturer of the Purell Hand sanitizer, and was based on the use of the company’s Smartlink Activity Monitoring System.