CONTINUING EDUCATION IN HAND HYGIENE: THE IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of continuing education on hand hygiene in the Intensive Care Units of a state referral hospital. It was a quantitative, descriptive study conducted in Teresina, Piauí, between December 2024 and January 2025. Participants included healthcare professionals with at least six months of clinical experience—working day or night shifts—who consented to the study; those on leave or who left the unit during the data collection period were excluded. Twelve clinical nurses and five managers participated, completing questionnaires adapted from the WHO Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework. Results showed that 25% of clinical nurses reported an absence of soap, and 58.3% indicated a lack of single-use towels at all handwashing stations. The bed-to-sink ratio was confirmed by 80% of the managers. Forty percent of managers stated there were no mechanisms for training certification, while 80% reported having no specific budget for hand hygiene training. Although the presence of informational posters was acknowledged by all, 40% of managers indicated inconsistent distribution. The study concludes that, despite achieving its objective, gaps persist in continuing education, supply availability, and process standardization, reflecting weaknesses in management and internal communication.