Evaluation of use of an audit tool for infection risk reduction in a
community based sexual health centre
M. Hay, U. Bankowska
The Sandyford Initiative, Glasgow, UK
Introduction: In recent years there has been an increase in the
concern about the risks to health from receiving treatment and care. Infection
Control is an important issue for NHSScotland both in terms of safety and
wellbeing of patients and of the efficiency and effectiveness of the service.
Aim: To evaluate the use of an audit tool to minimise infection risk
in a community clinic setting. The Sandyford Initiative is a community clinic
specialising in sexual and reproductive health. It is part of the Greater
Glasgow Primary Care Trust.
Method: As part of the process of ensuring that standards for
healthcare associated infection (HAI) are met the audit tool has been developed
by the primary care trust infection control nurses. The audit tool is a document
which defines acceptable standards for a managed environment which mimises the
risk of infection to patients and staff. The infection control audit tool has
been used in Sandyford since May 2003.All clinical areas, toilets and staff
facilities have been audited.
Results: The area where most improvement can be demonstrated is in the
handwashing facilities section. ‘Handwashing facilities’ incorporates the
appropriateness of fixtures, soap and solution dispensers, handwashing practice
and the condition of immediate areas. A program for ongoing audit has been
arranged in response to the findings and subsequent scoring in each area. This
section is audited monthly, irrespective of the previous score. The initial
score was 60%. This improved to 100% when the guidelines in the standard
statement were followed. Raising awareness of hand hygiene practice through
posters and training sessions has improved practice.
Conclusion: Improvement in control of infection has been demonstrated.
To date more improvement in standards is seen in clinical practice than in
cleaning standards. The audit is now ongoing and areas where improvement in
cleanliness is required will be audited frequently until the standards are being
maintained.
