Measurement is a vital part of the quality improvement process. Auditing hand hygiene compliance by health care providers provides a benchmark for improvement. The results of observation audits will help identify the most appropriate interventions for hand hygiene education, training and promotion. Results should be shared with front-line healthcare providers, management and hospital boards.

To support organizations in doing direct observation, CPSI has an observation tool based on the 4 Moments for Hand Hygiene.

CPSI has also adapted a Patient Family Observation Tool that will allow patient and family partners to observe and share information about how healthcare workers participate in optimal hand hygiene.

Direct observation of hand hygiene practices should be performed by trained observers using a standardized and validated audit tool. Need training on how to conduct Hand Hygiene observations?  Here are some training resources to help you. (link to content below)

CPSI Hand Hygiene Observation Tool (Paper Tool)

This paper tool is for Acute Care only.

• CPSI Hand Hygiene Observation Tool
• Instructions for Using the Observation Analysis Tool
• Observation Analysis Tool - Excel workbook (ZIP)

Training on how to conduct Hand Hygiene observations

• Hand Hygiene Education Module (IPAC Canada)
  
• Monitoring and Observation (Auditing) for ACUTE
  
• Monitoring and Observation (Auditing) for LTC