by Brianna Crandall — May 5, 2014—The Joint Commission International (JCI) , global provider of healthcare accreditation, is now providing its Hand Hygiene Targeted Solutions Tool (TST) at no charge to JCI-accredited healthcare organizations and other healthcare facilities to help improve patient care and reduce healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). Hundreds of millions of people worldwide are affected by these infections every year, leading to patient mortality and financial losses for healthcare providers, according to the World Health Organization.
The innovative online tool was developed by the Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare, a nonprofit affiliate of The Joint Commission, and has been tested by JCI-accredited health organizations in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe. Pilot results showed a 72 percent improvement in hand hygiene practices, and clinicians reportedly found the TST to be effective and easy to use.
The TST guides healthcare organizations through an effective quality improvement project, providing a step-by-step process to collect baseline data, identify problem areas, implement solutions tailored to their staff needs, and track hand hygiene improvements. Users have access to real-time data analysis, training materials, and methods to chart progress.
“JCI partners with its accredited organizations on their performance improvement journey. This tool is another valuable resource offered to JCI-accredited hospitals and clinics to help them maintain the highest level of quality and patient safety,” says Paul Chang, MD, JCI’s vice president, accreditation, standards, and measurement.
Members of accredited organizations can access the Hand Hygiene Targeted Solutions Tool (TST) via JCI Direct Connect.
Other interested parties can read more about the TST at The Center for Transforming Healthcare Web site, on the International: Hand Hygiene page.
