For Immediate Release
Medline Announces Nationwide Launch Of Hand Hygiene Compliance Program For Hospital And Healthcare Facilities
Program Combines Best-In-Class Hand Hygiene Products, Step-By-Step Implementation Process, Patient Education And Training Materials To Fight Hospital-Acquired Infections
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 —
In an effort to spark a change in healthcare professional hand hygiene practices, Medline Industries, Inc. announced today the nationwide launch of its Hand Hygiene Compliance Program (HHCP) to hospitals and healthcare facilities at the 35th Annual Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology Educational Conference in Denver.
"Most healthcare-associated infection (HAI) is spread by direct contact, especially via the hands of health workers, and data continues to support hand hygiene as the single most important way of reducing such infections," said Infection Prevention Advisory Board member Linda S. Johnson, M.S. N., R.N., C.I.C., infection control manager for the University of Missouri. "This program will be an important part of a healthcare provider's strategy to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital costs related to HAI."
As the number one defense against healthcare-acquired conditions – it is estimated that handwashing alone could prevent 20,000 patient deaths per year – hand hygiene has an important role to play in the prevention of infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 2 million HAIs annually in the U.S., resulting in an estimated $30.5 billion in additional healthcare costs and more than 100,000 inpatient deaths. The federal Medicare program recently announced that beginning in October 2008 it will no longer reimburse for extra costs associated with certain types of HAIs acquired while the patient was receiving care, giving hospitals and healthcare facilities even more incentive to implement prevention measures such as hand hygiene compliance.
Studies have shown, however, that despite being a proven effective practice, hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers is poor, with the World Health Organization reporting an average compliance rate of 40 percent. Skin irritation and dryness caused by frequent hand washing with soap and water, as well as inadequate understanding of hand hygiene guidelines or protocols, are the most often cited reasons for noncompliance. Medline's comprehensive HHCP addresses these issues by combining its best-in-class products for improving skin condition and clinician-reviewed education to improve hand hygiene compliance while dramatically improving the skin condition of healthcare workers.
About the HHCP Product Bundle
The regular use of products that help prevent skin irritation appreciably increases compliance to hand hygiene standards, which in turn contributes to lowering the nosocomial infection rate. All three Medline products in the HHCP product bundle are clinically proven to nourish dry skin:
- Sterillium Comfort Gel™ – This hand antiseptic has moisturizing technology, yet still delivers an alcohol level of 85 percent. In addition, it significantly increases skin hydration after only one week of usage compared to untreated skin.
- Medline Remedy™ Products – These moisturizers, cleansers, protectants and antifungals all contain Olivamine®, a patented blend of ingredients that deliver essential nutrients necessary for optimal skin health, including amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and MSM.
- AloeTouch® Exam Gloves – Available in latex, vinyl, and nitrile, this glove has a special polymer inner coating that softens skin with pure freeze-dried aloe vera while providing protection against bloodborne pathogens.
About the Educational Program
In addition to the product bundle, the HHCP includes an intensive educational module developed by an expert panel of infection control professionals.
"The training is particularly useful because it focuses on translating research into practical guidance and tips for clinicians," said Elaine Larson, R.N., Ph.D., currently the associate dean for research and professor of pharmaceutical and therapeutic research at Columbia University School of Nursing, and editor of the American Journal of Infection Control.
Healthcare workers can earn up to four Continuing Education credits by completing the training program. Additional components include testing for skill and competency validation through the use of Visirub and a UV light box. Patient education pamphlets, facility posters and a rewards program are also included to reinforce positive behavior change.
To learn more about the Hand Hygiene Compliance Program, visit www.medline.com/handhygiene or call 1-800-MEDLINE.
About Medline
Medline, the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of healthcare products, manufactures and distributes more than 100,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgery centers, home care dealers and agencies and other markets. Headquartered in Mundelein, IL, Medline has more than 800 dedicated sales representatives nationwide to support its broad product line and cost management services.
Over the past five years, Medline has been the fastest growing distributor of medical and surgical supplies in the U.S., serving as the primary distributor to over 250 major hospitals and health care systems. As a leading distributor, Medline offers a comprehensive array of consulting and management services encompassing the supply chain and logistics, utilization and standardization, business tools and enhanced reporting capabilities, and on-staff clinicians.
Medline has a growing network of 34 distribution centers around the country, as well as an expanding, dedicated transportation fleet with over 160 vehicles in a variety of sizes to fit customers' specific delivery needs. The fleet is equipped with the latest navigation devices for enhanced order tracking and communication.