The Impact of Poor Hand Hygiene on Infection in Care Home Settings

This report presents an action research study focused on the impact of hand hygiene practices on infection rates within care homes. The research investigates the role of research questions in defining the study, analyzes the researcher's skills, and examines various research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, data collection methods (primary and secondary), and sampling techniques. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent and confidentiality, are emphasized throughout the data collection process. The study implements action research, interprets data using appropriate analysis techniques, and discusses the potential impact of findings on health and well-being, along with the researcher's learning journey and strategies for future ethical research. The report critically evaluates the research study's influence on change and its value in improving health and social care service provision. The research utilized questionnaires for primary data collection and explored the significance of time management and patience for effective research conduct.

Action Research

Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................4
P1 Role of research in defining research questions for the action research...........................4
P2 Analysing own skills for understanding and conducting action research.........................6
M1 Evaluate own skills in defining research questions for a piece of action research in health
and well-being improvement..................................................................................................7
D1 Critically evaluate how effectively research methodologies selected support proposed
action research study in health and well-being improvement................................................7
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................7
P3 Appropriate research methods for investigation questions...............................................7
P4 Ethical consideration while collecting information from respondents..............................8
M2 Analyse the methodological approach taken to answer research questions....................9
D1 Critically evaluate how effectively research methodologies selected support proposed
action research study in health and well-being improvement................................................9
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................9
P5 Implement a piece of action research in health and wellbeing improvement...................9
P6 Interpret data using appropriate data analysis techniques.................................................9
M3 Analyse research data from action research using appropriate data analysis techniques14

D2 Critically analyse research findings using appropriate data analysis techniques...........14
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................14
P7 Discuss the potential impact of findings from action research study on health and
wellbeing improvement........................................................................................................14
P8 Discuss own learning in research journey identifying strategies for future developmental
needs in conducting ethical research into health and wellbeing improvement....................15
M4 Evaluate how findings relate to research questions in supporting improvement in health
and well-being and own professional development.............................................................15
D3 Critically evaluate research study in terms of influencing change and its value in
improving quality of health and social care service provision nationally and globally.......15
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16
TITLE:. The impact of poor hand hygiene on infection in care home.
INTRODUCTION
Action research is define as a study which is conducted to evaluate as well as investigate various
methodologies used by investigator. It has been said that there are various methods used by
researcher but on the other hand research action, readers will be able to gain proper information
about the topic. In the present research a topic is chosen which is impact of poor hand hygiene on
infection in care home (Badroeni, 2s018). It is very essential for an individual to follow hygiene
level in order to avoid any kind of infections. In this report, NHS is chosen as the base company
with the help of which researcher can gather their info in an effective manner. This research
consist of various elements which includes a detailed description about the role of a research
questions in order to define research questions, along with this it includes an analysis and
understanding of skills & knowledge which is needed by the investigator. Apart from this, the
present research provides detail information about various research methods used by investigator
in order to conduct the research in an effective manner.

TASK 1
P1 Role of research in defining research questions for the action research
Research is considered as a procedure with the assistance of which understanding about
some specific topics and issues will be enhanced and produce some possible outcomes. In this
research, information about positive and negative impacts of hand hygiene are going to be
discussed. Whenever an individual or patient is admitted in a health care organization, then they
should have knowledge about the impact of poor hand hygiene on a person. While conducting
the research in an effective manner it can clearly be identified that what are the major impacts of
hand hygiene on a health care. It has been identified that, action research is conducted in order to
examine the issue, gather information from various sources, creating action plans along with its
implementation (Billi. and Waterman, 2014). This as a result assist in resolving problems and
producing positive outcomes effectively . For studying the research in a proper manner, aims of
this research are used as collection of secondary information. It has been said that back ground of
the present research is to understand the role and impact of hand hygiene on infection in care
home. Along with this positive and negative impacts are also going to be identified about the
hand hygiene factor.
P2 Analysing own skills for understanding and conducting action research
There is a need of some specific skills with the assistance of which individual person will
be able to collect required information and conduct the study in a positive manner. Researcher
use internet sources, journals, books, websites and many more so that they gather effective
information within given time period (Birley and Moreland, 2014). For this, it is very essential to
have some skills so that proper outcome will be produced with the help of gathered information.
These skills are as follows:
Time management- In order to conduct the research in an effective manner, it is very
essential to have proper time management skills. If the activities are not completed within given
time frame then the research will not produce effective or required outcome. It has been
identified that I have effective and good time management skill which will assist me in order to
conduct all the activities in an appropriate manner. If proper planning and scheduling will be
done then it will become easy to perform their task and complete the study in a limited time
period.

Patience- It is considered as one of the most significant and crucial element as there need
to be proper understanding of the topic among team members so that they can perform in a
coordinated manner. Each and every individual have their own mentality and mindset in order to
perform their task so they use their own skills to complete the whole research in a proper
manner. In this section, it is identified that I am very short tempered person as if things doesn’t
go well I feel angry and frustrated. Therefore, it is considered as one of my biggest weakness
which I need to improve so that positive relationship will be maintained with others engaged in
the same field.
With the help of above stated information, it has been clearly identified that there are
some skills which need to be inculcate within an individual so that they can attain each and every
tasks in a proper manner.
M1 Evaluate own skills in defining research questions for a piece of action research in health and
well-being improvement.
It is very important to examine and evaluate their own skills so that they can perform
their task in an effective manner. With the assistance of all these skills individual will be able to
gain various advantages at the marketplace. All these skills help in improving the health and well
being of individual by the practitioner effectively.
D1 Critically evaluate how effectively research methodologies selected support proposed action
research study in health and well-being improvement.
There are both positive and negative impact of selected research methodologies on the
health and well being of individuals. In this research, primary as well as secondary data are used
by researcher in order to gather required information to conclude the research effectively. In
order to improve the well-being and health of individual, these research methodologies assist in
gaining various opportunities.
TASK 2
P3 Appropriate research methods for investigation questions
It has been analysed that there are various methods which need to be followed by every
researcher in order to produce positive outcome. Here are some techniques and tools with the
help of which researcher will be able to collect required information in an effective manner
(Bradbury, 2015). It has been said that research methodology is one of the most essential method

in order to conduct research in an ethical manner and provide relevant and authentic outcomes.
Some key methodologies are going to be discussed as follows Research approach- It is defines as various types of strategies which is used by
researcher in order to conduct the research in an appropriate manner. There are two basic
methods or approaches which are Inductive and deductive. One of the best approach for
this research is qualitative method as it will assist in developing positive outcome. Research design- It has been identified that there are two main types of research with the
help of which complete as well as specific data will be gathered about the research topic.
For the present research, Descriptive research design is considered best which will
provide authentic, appropriate and proper data in order to resolve all the doubts of reader. Research strategy- There are various methods and formats used by researcher in order to
investigate and justify all the policies used by them (Cabaroglu, 2014). It has been
concluded that there are basically two methods which are qualitative as well as
quantitative method. In the present research, qualitative research method is used by
investigator so that they can better understand the role and concept of health care
practitioners Data collection method- It is said that data collection method is one of the most essential
as well as crucial element as the whole research is based upon this section. There are two
common methods used by researcher in order to gather information which includes
primary as well as secondary method. In case of primary method, investigator collect all
the information for very first time with the assistance of questionnaire. On the other hand,
for collecting secondary data books, journals, websites are used by investigator. As
compared to primary, secondary method is quite easy and consumes less time and efforts.
In the present research, investigator use both primary as well as secondary methods.
 Data sampling- Sampling is define as the procedure under which investigator will select
some specific candidates so that they can gather information in an effective and
appropriate manner so that positive outcomes will be produces which enhance the overall
understanding of individuals about the topic. In the present research, a questionnaire is
developed to gather primary information from respondents so that they can conclude the
research in a proper manner. In this report, 30 respondents are chosen for gathering and

collecting data and information about the impact of hand hygiene on infection in care
home.
P4 Ethical consideration while collecting information from respondents
When a researcher gathers information, there are various ethical aspects which need to be
considered by the researchers as it is the study used in future which assist in enhancing the
understanding of individuals. It has been analysed that there are some effective sources which
need to be considered by an investigator such as informed consent, confidentiality, authenticity
and more (Chevalier and Buckles, 2019). While gathering primary information and data from
patients it is essential to collect proper data so and keep it confidential and never disclose with
others without their consent. Along with this, there must be ethical consent of every person so
that no one feel unsafe. Apart from this, researcher needs to take care about the validity and
reliability of gathered information so that they can conduct in depth analysis in their future.
Investigator need to perform all their task and activities in an ethical manner and ensure
that they do not harm feelings and emotions of any individual persons associated with their
research. There must be positive relationship between researchers and respondents so that they
can gather information in an ethical manner. Along with this, while collecting information from
respondents, it is essential to provide then assurance that their personal details will not be
disclosed with anyone without their consent. These as a result increase the faith of respondents
towards investigator which leads them to collect proper data from them.
M2 Analyse the methodological approach taken to answer research questions.
It has been analysed that there are various methodologies used by researcher in order to
gather information and data so that they can perform their task effectively. Researcher use
questionnaire method in order to gather primary data which assist in attaining appropriate results
and solutions. On the other hand, secondary methodologies is used by researcher which requires
less cost, time and efforts. Investigator need to perform all their task and activities in an ethical
manner and ensure that they do not harm feelings and emotions of any individual persons
associated with their research.

TASK 3
P5 Implement a piece of action research in health and wellbeing improvement
After completion of above explored section of investigation, it can be said that it is essential for
investigator to conduct an effective action research that will support them in providing guidance
to health and wellbeing sector improve in the positive direction (Earley, Fidler and Ouston,
2017). This can be effectively done by managing all methodological section in such a manner
that direct each and every medical practitioners as well as research associated people about
investigations and its core methods. Higher level of knowledge on same allows them to conduct
this action research in positive direction.
P6 Interpret data using appropriate data analysis techniques
Questionnaire
Q 1) Are you aware with the concept of hand hygiene in home care?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 2) What kind of impact does poor hand hygiene places on health care practitioners of care
home?
a) Positive
b) Negative
Q 3) What are the main benefits attained by healthcare practitioners by maintaining hand hygiene
at home care?
a) Quick recovery of patient’s health condition.
b) Less of chances of infections
Q 4) Do you think, poor hand hygiene can be improved at home care?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q 5) According to your perception, which of the below stated is best way through which poor
hand hygiene at home care can be improved?
a) By promoting good hand hygiene standards
b) Deep cleaning at home care
c) Stop sharing personal used items

Theme 1: Concept of hand hygiene in home care
Q 1) Are you aware with the concept of hand hygiene in home care? Frequency
a) Yes 20
b) No 10
Interpretation: From the above described report, it is interpreted that among the total of
30 respondents 20 are aware of hand hygiene in home care as they have heard many doctors
talking about it while discussing hygiene. On the other hand, leftover 10 respondents have denied
for the same as they have not been to hospitals in the past.

Theme 2: Impact of effective hand hygiene places on health care practitioners of care home
Q 2) What kind of impact does effective hand hygiene places on
health care practitioners of care home?
Frequency
a) Positive 25
b) Negative 5
a)Positive
; ; 25
b)
Negative; ;
5
0
5
10
15
20
25
a) Positive
b)Negative
Interpretation: Impact of poor hand hygiene on health care practitioners of care home
are identified as both the positive and negative. As per the mentioned graph, it has been analysed
that 25 people thinks its impact is positive. On the other hand, the leftover 5 respondents have
denied towards the same as according to them the impact is negative as due to poor hand hygiene
many issues takes place at hospital that might also create infection for them.

Theme 3: Main benefits attained by healthcare practitioners by maintaining hand hygiene
at home care
Q 3) What are the main benefits attained by healthcare
practitioners by maintaining hand hygiene at home care?
Frequency
a) Quick recovery of patient’s health condition. 18
b) Less of chances of infections 12
a) Quick
recovery
of
patient’s
health
condition.;
b)Less of
chancesof
infections;
; 12
0
5
10
15
20
a)Quick
recoveryof
patient’shealth
condition.
b)Lessof
chancesof
infections
Interpretation: There are numerous of benefits attained by healthcare practitioners by
maintaining hand hygiene at home care. In context of above specified graph, it can be said that
18 respondents from the total of 30 thinks that it is helpful in quick recovery of patient’s health
condition with better hand hygiene. Whereas, remaining 12 believes that the main benefit of this
hygiene is that it is helpful in reducing chances of infections.

Theme 4: Poor hand hygiene can be improved at home care
Q 4) Do you think, poor hand hygiene can be improved at home
care?
Frequency
a) Agree 28
b) Disagree 2
a) Agree; ;
28
b)
Disagree; ;
20
5
10
15
20
25
30
a) Agree
b)Disagree
Interpretation: Poor hand hygiene affects life of individuals a lot. It is essential for
every individual to take effective measure to improve this habit so that they can live better life
style. As per above stated bar graph, it is interpreted that 28 respondents believes that this can be
improved as it is up to the individual only that they should improve or not. Whereas, other 2 have
expressed that this cannot be improved as no one is that much concerned about their hand
hygiene level at this much.

Theme 5: Best way through which poor hand hygiene at home care can be improved
Q 5) According to your perception, which of the below stated is best
way through which poor hand hygiene at home care can be
improved?
Frequency
a) By promoting good hand hygiene standards 10
b) Deep cleaning at home care 10
c) Stop sharing personal used items 10
a)By
promoting
goodhand
hygiene
standards;
; 10
b)Deep
cleaningat
home
care; ; 10
c) Stop
sharing
personal
used
items; ; 10
0
2
4
6
8
10
a)Bypromoting
goodhand
hygiene
standards
b)Deepcleaning
at home care
c)Stopsharing
personal used
items
Interpretation: According to the above expressed graph, it has been identified that 10
respondents thinks that promoting good hygiene standard is best way of improvement. On the
other hand, other 10 thinks that deep cleaning at home care will be best step towards
improvement. The leftover 10 said that this issue can be managed by stop sharing personal used
items with one another.
M3 Analyse research data from action research using appropriate data analysis techniques.
It has been said that there are various methods used by researcher in order to gather
required information and data so that positive outcomes will be produced. There are some
techniques used by researcher such as questionnaire methodology and so on. This will assist in
attaining positive result and conclude the present research effectively.
D2 Critically analyse research findings using appropriate data analysis techniques.
After gathering required data and information, it is very necessary for the researcher to
use appropriate techniques for analysing the data. With the help of these techniques, investigator
will be able to find the result in an effective manner. In order to find out the research findings in

a positive manner, researcher use thematic data analysis techniques. This as a result assist in
attaining essential data findings in a required manner.
TASK 4
P7 Discuss the potential impact of findings from action research study on health and wellbeing
improvement
The overall information developed from this investigation has allowed healthcare
practitioners to develop their knowledge on poor hand hygiene and its negative influence over
the health condition of patients (Edwards and Burns, 2016). The findings has also explored
different ways by which healthcare care practitioners can take several initiatives and minimise
wrong habits of individuals which is promoting poor hand hygiene. The main ways found from
this section are By promoting good hand hygiene standards, Deep cleaning at home care and
Stop sharing personal used items. It can be said that all of these initiatives were helpful for
healthcare practitioners by whom they can easily help aware patient as well as their family
members at home care poor hand hygiene and its negative consequences which could affect
patient’s health badly. The main negative impact of poor hand hygiene is that they might not be
able to recover in sooner manner.
P8 Discuss own learning in research journey identifying strategies for future developmental
needs in conducting ethical research into health and wellbeing improvement
From the overall experience of mine while conducting this investigation on the topic
“The impact of poor hand hygiene on infection in care home.” , I have explored that hygiene
plays an essential role in health condition of every individual. It has also been identified that if an
individual remains hygienic every time them then there are higher chances that they will not
become ill or affected by any sort of disease (Glanz, 2014). Whereas, if it talked about poor
hygienic people, it can be said that if they does keeps their hygienic level maintained then there
are higher chances that these people will surely get affected diseases in quicker manner. With
reference to ethical consideration of the investigation, it is essential for researcher to go for
effective strategy that will support them in executing their all research based work without
crossing any sort of ethical values. For the motive of development in health and well being
improvement, it can be said that it is essential for researcher to use ethical consent form for every
patient whether they are getting treated at home or in the hospital. This ethical consent form

allows them to inform patient about each and every law. This keeps them away from the
legislative issues in future. As a result, this directly contributes in the development of health and
well-being sector. This also allows them in improvising their practice in positive manner.
M4 Evaluate how findings relate to research questions in supporting improvement in health and
well-being and own professional development.
It is said that there are various research techniques used by investigator in order to
produce positive results in an effective manner. With the assistance of research findings,
researcher provide various recommendations to the management team of organisation in order to
improve and develop skills and knowledge of individuals working within the healthcare sector.
All these skills will provide various opportunities to the professionals at the workplace.
D3 Critically evaluate research study in terms of influencing change and its value in improving
quality of health and social care service provision nationally and globally.
The main ways found from this section are by promoting good hand hygiene standards,
deep cleaning at home care and stop sharing personal used items,there might be improvement in
the quality of health as well as social care. There are both positive and negative impact which
highly influence the health and social care of individuals. One of the major negative impact of
poor hand hygiene is that they might not be able to recover in sooner manner.
CONCLUSION
With the assistance of above stated discussion, it has been concluded that for conducting
action research, an investigator must have proper knowledge and understanding about the topic
and issue. It has also been identified that health care practitioners are highly responsible in order
to create awareness about hand hygiene among individuals. Their position and negative impact
mainly influence individuals within care home. In this research, investigation use both primary
as well as secondary data collection method with the help of which positive results will be
developed. Along with this, it is also very essential to communicate with their staff members
about hand hygiene so that they can increase awareness within individuals. If there is authentic
and appropriate research, then other people will use and consider it as secondary resources for
their research.

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