The cost of a hand hygiene program

What one state found

Pennsylvania was one of the first states to publish hospital infection data. Its 2006 report found that patients who picked up an infection in the hospital were far more likely to die, stayed in the hospital much longer, and ran up far higher charges: an average of about $176,000, against about $33,000 for patients without an infection. The exact figures are dated, but the pattern holds: infections are among the most expensive complications a hospital can have.

Does a program actually work?

Yes. The best-known example is Geneva University Hospitals, where a hospital-wide campaign raised hand hygiene compliance from 48% to 66%. Over the same period, the share of patients with a hospital-acquired infection fell from 16.9% to 9.9%. WHO now estimates that strong infection prevention programs, with hand hygiene at their center, can prevent 70% of healthcare-associated infections.

What a program needs

• Alcohol rub within reach. In one study cited by CDC, compliance rose from 38% to 63% after it was introduced.
• Education on the WHO 5 Moments and correct technique, repeated, not one-and-done.
• Skin care for staff, because sore hands get skipped.
• Leadership buy-in across the hospital. Campaigns that live in one unit tend to fade.

Most hospitals start from a low baseline: studies put typical compliance around 40%. That leaves a lot of room to prevent infections, and a lot of money to save.