How undergraduates improve compliance with handwashing

The MAPS (Measure to Achieve Patient Safety ) program was developed at UCLA Medical Centre to lead the improvement of the patient safety in the hospital as a result of the Institute of Medicine's report on the poor patient safety standards in America - patient identification and handwashing in particular.

Since 2004, 20 undergraduates and 2 student leaders have been selected each year to take part in the MAPS program. They were given training in observing compliance with handwashing guidelines and adherence to rules in patient identification. About 700-800 observations per month were reported to clinicians and departmental leads. Handwashing increased from 50% to 93% and nurses' checking of 2 patient identifiers at medication administration increased from 50% to 95%.

This program was published in Academic Medicine, the author said that MAPS program has been widely accepted by clinical staff and has made significant contribution to the UCLA's safety programs. It is also easily adaptable in other academic centres.

Source: "Observation and measurement of hand hygiene and patient identification improve compliance with patient safety practices". Academic Medicine. December 2009. 84(12):1705-1712. (f/t via Athens)