Positive deviance: a program for sustained improvement in hand hygiene compliance.

Background: There is a paucity of data evaluating whether positive deviance (PD) can sustain improvement in hand hygiene compliance.

Methods: An observational study comparing the effect of PD on compliance with hand hygiene was conducted in two 20-bed step-down units (SDUs) at a private tertiary care hospital. In a 3-month baseline period (April-June 2008), hand hygiene counts were performed by electronic handwashing counters.

Positive deviance: a new strategy for improving hand hygiene compliance.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a positive deviance strategy for the improvement of hand hygiene compliance in 2 adult step-down units.

Design: A 9-month, controlled trial comparing the effect of positive deviance on compliance with hand hygiene.

Setting: Two 20-bed step-down units at a tertiary care private hospital.