Background: Given nosocomial infections remain a prominent issue in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), this quality improvement study aimed to observe adherence to the NICU Moments of Hand Hygiene (MHH) and Bare Below the Elbow (BBE) guidelines, identify barriers to adherence, and propose solutions for improving adherence. Methods: Investigators observed and statistically compared adherence (using an N-1 chi-squared test and two-tailed p <0.05 representing significance) of Healthcare Practitioners (HCPs) in the NICU to the MHH and BBE guidelines for 24 one-hour shifts, stratifying by moment, body part, participant role, and time. HCPs and families completed questionnaires to identify adherence barriers. Questionnaire and observational data underwent qualitative thematic analysis to identify potential barrier solutions. Results: Moment 1A (before contact with the environment outside the patient's isolette) adherence of (51%) was lowest and significantly different than adherence to Moments 1B (before entering the isollette) (66%, p<0.05), moment 3 (after potential body fluid exposure) (81%, p=0.02), and moment 4 (upon leaving the care environment) (60%, p=0.01). Nursing MHH adherence (61%) was significantly better than medical staff/trainee (38%) (p=0.002) and family member adherence (44%) (p=0.02). Forearm BBE adherence (53%) was lowest and statistically different from wrist (85%), hand/finger (91%), and nail (96%) adherence (all p=0.01). Daytime (82%) and nighttime (73%) BBE adherence were significantly different (p=0.006). A majority of providers identified skin irritation, forgetfulness, and busy environment as MHH barriers, and lacking a secure jewelry location and forgetfulness as BBE barriers, while almost all family members found hand hygiene equipment to be available and constantly filled. Conclusions: MHH adherence differs by moment and participant role, and BBE adherence differs by body part and time, justifying targeted interventions. Strategies such as secure jewelry storage, better temperature regulation in the unit, more hand lotion, and improved signage may improve adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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