Impact of a mandated provincial hand hygiene program: messages from the field.

Background: The British Columbia Provincial Hand Hygiene Working Group was formed in September 2010 and tasked with the development and implementation of a provincial hand hygiene (HH) program for health care.

Methods: As part of an evaluation of the provincial HH program, qualitative key informant interviews of program developers, senior administrators, and field workers were performed from December 2011 to March 2012 (phase 1) and again in April to June 2013 (phase 2).

Results: The following 5 broad themes were identified: (1) the provincial HH program became a platform for cooperation; (2) standardization (of HH audits and program components) strengthened and provided credibility to the provincial HH program; (3) quality results and good communication enabled a learning process that resulted in positive change management; (4) with ownership came pride and program success; and (5) management support and infrastructure is needed to sustain a positive culture change.

Conclusion: Positive behavior change for HH can be achieved on a provincial scale through a program that is standardized, has mandated components, is well communicated, owned by the frontline workers, and receives sustained support from senior management.