BDH Clinic Greifswald Launches Innovative Hand Hygiene Project

Written By

Marcel Walz

Marcel Walz

Published On

Jul 15, 2020

Category

  • Innovation
  • Projects
BDH Clinic Greifswald Launches Innovative Hand Hygiene Project

BDH Clinic Greifswald has launched a pioneering pilot project to improve hand hygiene. The innovative feedback system, developed by GWA Hygiene, marks an important step in the digitalization of hospital hygiene.

Scientific Background

The importance of hand disinfection is well documented scientifically:

  • Prof. Axel Kramer, Director of the Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine at University Medicine Greifswald, demonstrated in 2006 that up to 90% of germs are transmitted via hands
  • Conventional measures to increase compliance often show lack of sustainability
  • The specialist for hygiene and environmental medicine is currently the most sought-after medical specialist in Germany

The Innovative System

GWA Hygiene has developed a comprehensive digital assistance system:

Technical Components

  1. Sensor-Supported Dispensers

    • Automated usage tracking
    • Precise data collection
    • Real-time monitoring

  2. Personalized Wearable Devices

    • Individual assignment
    • Immediate feedback
    • Proactive notifications

Functionality

  • Detection of approaches to patient beds
  • Verification of previous hand disinfection
  • Immediate notification if disinfection is missing

Project Voices

Dr. Torsten Stein, Medical Director of BDH Clinic

“Hand disinfection must be a constant companion in daily work. Therefore, we are pleased to be a pioneer in the use of this new technology. The staff should be continuously supported in their hand hygiene.”

Tobias Gebhardt, CEO GWA Hygiene

“Hospital staff usually have a very dynamic work routine. Hand disinfection can occasionally be forgotten. We want to help prevent this. Our system is designed to be the digital assistant for hygiene.”

Prof. Axel Kramer, Scientific Supervisor

“We hope this novel approach will provide new insights and make a significant contribution to increasing patient and staff safety.”

Significance for the Future

The project has far-reaching implications:

  1. Digitalization in Healthcare

    • Exemplary integration of technology
    • Practical application of digital solutions
    • Model for further implementations

  2. Resource Optimization

    • Relief for hygiene specialists
    • Automation of documentation
    • Efficient process control

  3. Regional Innovation

    • Successful collaboration of local partners
    • Strengthening of the healthcare location
    • Role model for other facilities

Funding and Support

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and demonstrates exemplarily how digitalization and healthcare can work together synergistically.