VINCat program: Impact of a surveillance program on alcohol-based hand rub consumption in acute care facilities in Catalonia, Spain

Aim

Hand hygiene is regarded as the cornerstone for preventing healthcare-associated infections. This study assesses trends in alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) consumption for hand hygiene and availability of dispensers at the point of care (POC) in acute care hospitals in Catalonia, as part of the VINCat program.

Methods

Data were collected from 2014 to 2022 in 69 hospitals, categorized by size and type, including large, medium, small, and specialized facilities. ABHR consumption was measured in liters per 1000 patient-days, with data segmented into intensive care units (ICUs) and non-ICU wards. Hospital infection control personnel determined the availability of ABHR solutions at the POC through yearly point prevalence surveys.

Results

The study found a significant increase in ABHR consumption over time, with usage rising from 22.8 L/1000 patient-days in the 2014–2017 period to 39.9 L in 2018–2022, representing a 75% increase. The most significant growth was observed in ICUs, where ABHR use nearly doubled. ABHR consumption also spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with large hospitals showing the highest levels of usage. Additionally, the availability of ABHR dispensers at the POC increased, particularly in non-ICU wards and small hospitals.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the role of sustained hand hygiene efforts, including increased ABHR availability at the POC, as essential components of infection prevention. These efforts are especially crucial in high-risk units such as ICUs and in smaller hospitals, where resources and compliance may be limited.