Table 1 Explanation of terms used in this article
Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
Hand hygiene improvement strategy | An HH improvement strategy is composed of a number of components intended to change HH behaviour. These various components work best together and support each other in targeting potential barriers to appropriate HH. |
Strategy component | A strategy component refers to the specific method used to address a potential barrier to appropriate HH. |
Examples: education, reminders, performance feedback, social influence, leadership, setting norms and targets. | |
Improvement activities | Improvement activities refer to the operationalization of strategy components. |
Examples: educational website, bar charts of HH rates, posters, ward manager addresses barriers to enable HH as recommended, provision of alcohol-based hand rub. | |
Intention-to-treat analysis | The intention-to-treat analysis in our study was an analysis based on the initial treatment intent. In this, wards were analysed according to the group (experimental or control) to which they were originally allocated, regardless of whether they actually received the improvement strategy and despite the fact that there may be less impact on those who did not receive the intervention |
As-received analysis | The as-received analysis in our study is based on the treatment actually received. In this, wards were analysed according to improvement strategy actually received, regardless of their allocation. |