Taiwanese medical experts have created an innovative hand hygiene monitoring system to ensure healthcare workers maintain proper handwashing practices. The National Health Research Institutes and Taoyuan General Hospital collaborated on this project. Their goal is to reduce hospital-acquired infections by encouraging better hand hygiene.
Liao Lun-de, deputy director at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, emphasized the importance of handwashing. He explained that up to 70% of infections acquired in hospitals could be prevented with proper hand hygiene. However, he also pointed out that globally, only about 40% of healthcare workers follow correct handwashing procedures.
Unlike traditional monitoring methods that use cameras, this system respects privacy by avoiding video surveillance. Instead, it relies on Bluetooth signals to track staff locations. Additionally, sensors and ultrasonic technology measure how long and how thoroughly personnel wash their hands.
The system installs easily on hand sanitizer dispensers, tracking the amount of sanitizer used. It also checks whether handwashing lasts the recommended 40 seconds. If a person washes their hands too quickly, a red light immediately alerts them. Future models will include vibration alerts for added feedback.
Taoyuan General Hospital has already implemented the hand hygiene monitoring system in its intensive care unit. The system achieved an accuracy rate of 72%. It can also adapt to various hospital equipment to fit different facility needs.
Chen Wei-chien, vice president of the National Health Research Institutes, highlighted that this technology helps reduce the workload related to manual supervision. Meanwhile, Cheng Shu-hsing, deputy director of the hospital, recalled a 2021 COVID-19 outbreak inside the hospital. The outbreak started after a doctor neglected proper hand sanitation following an intubation procedure, causing multiple transmissions.
In addition, Tri-Service General Hospital introduced an AI-powered hand hygiene device in May. This device uses sensors to detect improper handwashing and immediately highlights missed areas on a screen. This real-time feedback encourages users to clean their hands thoroughly.
Overall, Taiwan’s new hand hygiene monitoring system combines technology and privacy to improve hospital safety. It offers a promising tool to help healthcare workers maintain high hygiene standards and prevent infections.
