Hand Hygiene Quality Incentive Program questions and answers

Clockwise from top left, Nutrition and Food Services employees Yves Bourjolly, Neville Trotman, Alex Altobelli and Paula Brathwaite.

Below is a series of questions and answers that may help staff better understand the Hand Hygiene Quality Incentive Program.

Q. Why is the hand hygiene compliance goal set at 90 percent and not 100 percent?
A. Reaching 100 percent compliance is the hospital’s goal. The 90 percent compliance target is the national standard of compliance set by the Joint Commission. Setting the goal at 90 percent aligns with national expectations and brings the MGH closer to the 100 percent mark.

Q. Why is my bonus tied to hand hygiene when I don’t have direct patient contact?
A. It takes the hard work and dedication of all employees to provide the highest-quality patient care. While clinical staff most often come into contact with patients, other employees may work in patient care environments. For example, Nutrition and Food Services staff serve food to patients; Environmental Services staff clean patient care areas; and Buildings and Grounds staff fix equipment on patient care units.

Q. Do I have to use Cal Stat before and after glove use?
A. Yes, both before and after. Gloves may have imperfections, and contamination can occur during removal. The Centers for Disease Control guidelines state that gloves are not to be used as a substitute for hand hygiene.

For more questions and answers about the hand hygiene program, access intranet.massgeneral.org/handhygiene/qa.html.