Trends in the hand hygiene practices using alcohol-based hand rubs in Japanese hospitals before and after the novel coronavirus pandemic: an observational study using national surveillance data

Background

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a global concern in healthcare facilities, and hand hygiene (HH) using alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) is fundamentally crucial for their prevention. While previous studies report improvements in HH compliance amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the real situation in Japanese medical settings remains unclear.

Methods

This observational study sought data from the Japanese national surveillance, focusing on ABHR use in hospitals before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were retrieved from facilities certified to receive the Additional Healthcare Reimbursements for Infection Prevention and Control I. The study spanned five years (2019–2023), segmented quarterly, and employed Joinpoint regression analysis to assess the annual percentage change (APC).

Results

Overall, ABHR use per patient per day significantly increased both in critical care units and general wards amid the pandemic. However, the APC in the critical care units demonstrated a downward trend from Q4 of 2021 to Q1 of 2023, and ABHR use in general wards remained below the amount of WHO recommendations.

Conclusion

This trend analysis highlighted recent patterns of ABHR use in Japanese hospitals by comparing pre- and post-COVID-19 periods. Although increases in ABHR use were observed over time, sustained efforts to promote HH compliance are necessary, particularly in general wards.