Hand washing compliance detection system

• US 7,755,494 B2
• Filed: 06/08/2007
• Issued: 07/13/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Biovigil Hygiene Technologies LLC (BioVigil Healthcare Systems, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated (State University System of Florida)
• Inventors: Melker, Richard J., Batich, Christopher D., Dennis, Donn M., Gravenstein, Nikolaus
• Primary Examiner(s): Hunnings; Travis R
• Application Number:
  US11/760,100
• Publication Number:
  US 20080303658A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,131 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573.1
• US Class Current: 340/573.1
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/245 Reminder of hygiene compliance policies, e.g. of washing hands
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/20 for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for monitoring use of hand washing agents to determine compliance with hand hygiene guidelines. A hand washing agent is provided with a detectable, volatile compound, such as odors, which is then rubbed onto a subject'"'"'s hands using the subject'"'"'s hand washing technique. After the hand washing event, the subject'"'"'s hand is then exposed to an detector (such as a badge), which includes a sensor capable of detecting the volatile compound, and an indicator that communicates detection of the volatile compound, indicating use of the hand washing agent and hand hygiene compliance.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring hand hygiene comprising:

a hand washing agent comprising a detectable, volatile compound for application to the hands of a subject; and

a detector comprising a sensor and an indicator operably connected to the sensor, wherein the sensor detects the detectable, volatile compound, wherein detection of said detectable, volatile compound by said sensor occurs without physical contact of the hands of said subject with said detector, wherein the detector is in the form of a wearable or portable housing, wherein the detector is a badge.

2. A system for monitoring hand hygiene comprising:

a hand washing agent comprising a detectable, volatile compound for application to the hands of a subject; and

a detector comprising a sensor and an indicator operably connected to the sensor, wherein the sensor detects the detectable, volatile compound, wherein detection of said detectable, volatile compound by said sensor occurs without physical contact of the hands of said subject with said detector, wherein the detector is located at a particular location, said system further comprising a means for ascertaining subject identity wherein said means for ascertaining subject identity notifies a central computer system when a subject enters a particular location and wherein said means for ascertaining subject identity waits for the subject to wash his/her hands before leaving wherein said means for ascertaining subject identity is operably connected to an entry means which does not permit the subject to enter, to exit or to enter or exit a location unless the detector has ascertained that the subject as performed appropriate hand hygiene measures.

3. A system for monitoring hand hygiene comprising:

a hand washing agent comprising a detectable, volatile compound for application to the hands of a subject; and

a detector comprising a sensor and an indicator operably connected to the sensor, wherein the sensor detects the detectable, volatile compound, wherein detection of said detectable, volatile compound by said sensor occurs without physical contact of the hands of said subject with said detector, said system further comprising a means for active detection of the detectable, volatile compound, wherein the means for active detection of the detectable, volatile compound is a suction pump that directs air flow to the sensor, wherein said suction pump is activated by an individual before handwashing or which is automatically activated by a means for establishing subject identity wherein, when said subject approaches a subject identification means mounted in close proximity to a hand washing station, it immediately begins a countdown process activating said detector.

4. The system according to claim 3 wherein said detector must detect the presence of a detectable, volatile compound within a finite period after said identification means is activated or an indicator provides feedback, locally, remotely or both, that the subject has not washed his/her hands.