Clean Hands Accessible and Manageable for Patients (CHAMPs): A Technology-Based Intervention to Improve Hand Hygiene and Reduce Germs in Hospitalized Older Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying a new technology-based hand hygiene system designed to help hospitalized older adults manage their hand cleaning practices. This study aims to reduce harmful germs on patients' hands that can cause infections, addressing a critical need since older adults often face challenges like frailty, limited dexterity, and cognitive impairments that make independent hand hygiene difficult. The study is a randomized controlled trial involving adults aged 65 and older in two public hospitals. The intervention uses a bedrail-attached hand sanitizer dispenser called CHAMPs, which provides personalized verbal and visual reminders around meal times to encourage hand cleaning. Participants in the intervention group receive this system, while the control group receives usual care without additional hand hygiene products or education. The system tracks usage and requires only minimal physical effort, making it accessible for older adults with upper limb mobility. Participants will be monitored at admission and again on day 3 or 4, with hand and nasal swabs collected to measure germ contamination. Researchers will evaluate hand hygiene behavior, the presence and amount of germs on hands, and factors affecting the intervention's success. The study lasts up to four days per participant, with questionnaires and system usage data collected to assess outcomes and safety.

Clean Hands Accessible and Manageable for Patients (CHAMPs)