AU2015202919A1 - A system and method of hygiene control - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A system and method of hygiene control enables reliable capture of opportunities and actions for hand hygiene. The system includes a central server comprising a memory coupled to a processor, wherein the memory includes computer readable program code components configured to: receive a first trigger signal from a first sensor, the first trigger signal including a sensor ID and a first user ID, at a first time; receive a second trigger signal from a second sensor, the second trigger signal including a second sensor ID and the first user ID, at a second time; determine that the first time is before the second time; and assess compliance with a hygiene control protocol. 110 112 114 First Second Third Sensor Sensor Sensor Central Server Information Panel 1885739v1

Description

1 TITLE A SYSTEM AND METHOD OF HYGIENE CONTROL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to a system and method of hygiene control. In particular, the invention relates to a system and method for determining whether health care workers use a sanitisation product before engaging with a patient. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Hygiene in hospitals is paramount to prevent infections in patients. However many patients develop infections during their stay in hospital, known as Hospital Acquired Infections (HAls). HAls have been shown to extend patient hospital stays, and are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. In Australian hospitals alone it is estimated that 150,000 patients acquire HAls resulting in 6,500 deaths and costing $2.5 billion. Furthermore, these estimates do not include other Australian health sectors, for example aged care. [0003] In the USA the figures are higher. Approximately 2 million patients develop HAls and are responsible for approximately 100,000 deaths every year, costing an estimated $35 to $40 billion annually. [0004] One of the major causes of HAls is poor hand hygiene. Hand hygiene has been identified as the single most effective intervention for preventing HAls. Studies have shown that improvements in hand hygiene compliance result in a corresponding reduction in HAls. [0005] In 2009, the World Health Organisation (WHO) published guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Institutions. In response the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) introduced the "National Hand Hygiene lnitiative"(NHHI) based on the WHO guidelines. The aim of the NHHI is to develop a national hand hygiene culture-change program and standardise hand hygiene practice in every Australian hospital. [0006] ACSQHC devised a multipronged approach combining education, written 2 prompts and reminders, easy-access to hand-rubs and repeated performance feedback, which was found optimal in improving compliance, as education has shown to have only a very short term effect if performed in isolation. [0007] However in order to monitor any improvements in hand hygiene it is necessary to perform audits by capturing data. In order to stanadardise data capture, a body responsible for developing and implementing a program for achieving NHHI aims, Hand Hygiene Australia (HHA), has adopted the WHO's "5 Moments of Hand Hygiene" which identifies the primary points of disease spread via the hands. [0008] Each time hand sanitizing should occur is called an "opportunity". If appropriate hand sanitizing does occur it is called an "action". The observed actions, as a percentage of the observed opportunities, defines the documented compliance level. [0009] The 5 moments of Hand Hygiene (HH) are: Moment 1: Before touching a patient Moment 2: Immediately prior to any procedure Moment 3: Immediately after a procedure of body fluid exposure risk Moment 4: After touching a patient Moment 5: After touching the patient's immediate surroundings and leaving the patient zone. [0010] One auditing technique is by direct observation by an auditor. However there are several disadvantages to using this data collection method: 1. There are inconsistencies between auditors. In order to reduce inconsistencies between auditors, hospitals need to implement ongoing training programs for staff performing the audits; 2. Due to the cost of implementing such an audit, sample sizes are often small, thus the statistical significance is reduced; 3. The Health Care Worker (HCW) is aware of being audited which can result in a change of normal behavior; 4. It is possible to miss HCW actions; 5. There can be a difficulty obtaining observational samples across all areas and during all shifts; and 6. Audits require valuable personnel resources that could be better utilized in other 3 ways within infection control programs. [0011] Although many electronic systems have been developed for assisting with compliance using Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID), none of the systems developed to date satisfies WHO requirements for data collection. [0012] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION [0013] It is an object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide consumers with improvements and advantages over the above described prior art, and/or overcome and alleviate one or more of the above described disadvantages of the prior art, and/or provide a useful commercial choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0014] In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a method of hygiene control including the steps of: receiving a first trigger signal from a first sensor, the first trigger signal including a first sensor ID and a first user ID, at a first time; receiving a second trigger signal from a second sensor, the second trigger signal including a second sensor ID and the first user ID, at a second time; determining that the first time is before the second time; and determining compliance with a hygiene control protocol. In another form, the invention resides in a hygiene control system including: a central server, the central server including: a memory coupled to a processor, wherein the memory includes computer readable program code components configured to: receive a first trigger signal from a first sensor, the first trigger signal including a sensor ID and a first user ID, at a first time; receive a second trigger signal from a second sensor, the second trigger signal including a second sensor ID and the first user ID, at a second time; 4 determine that the first time is before the second time; and assess compliance with a hygiene control protocol. Preferably, compliance information is sent to an information panel for indicating compliance. Preferably, the information panel includes a display for indicating compliance. Preferably, the information panel includes an audible device for indicating compliance. Preferably, the compliance information is sent to an information display according to a sensor ID. Preferably, compliance is additionally determined according to a category of the first user. Preferably, compliance is additionally determined according to the first sensor ID and the second sensor ID. Preferably the first sensor includes an RFID reader. Preferably, the first sensor includes a plurality of sensors. Preferably, the plurality of sensors includes an RFID reader and an infrared sensor. Preferably, the second sensor includes an RFID reader. Preferably, the second sensor includes a plurality of sensors. Preferably, the plurality of sensors includes an RFID reader and an infrared sensor. Preferably, each RFID reader is configured to read the first user ID within a predetermined range. Preferably, each RFID reader reads the first user ID from an RFID card. Preferably, compliance is indicated by a visual indication and/or an audible indication. Preferably, each sensor ID includes a sensor type. Preferably, each sensor ID includes a sensor location. Preferably, each sensor ID includes a sensor type and a sensor location. Preferably, the hygiene control protocol is based on the World Health Organisation's "5 Moments of Hand Hygiene". BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hygiene control system according to an 5 embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a layout of the system of FIG. 1 in a hospital room according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a plan view of a second hospital room including a plurality of beds according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method of hygiene control, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 5 diagrammatically illustrates a computing device, such as the information panels of FIGs. 1 and 2 and central server of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0016] Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to clutter the disclosure with excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description. [0017] In this patent specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, front and back, top and bottom, etc., are used solely to define one element from another element without necessarily requiring a specific relative position or sequence that is described by the adjectives. Words such as "comprises" or "includes" are not used to define an exclusive set of elements or method steps. Rather, such words merely define a minimum set of elements or method steps included in a particular embodiment of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the invention may be implemented in a variety of ways, and that this description is given by way of example only. [0018] Generally, the present invention is a method and system of hygiene control. The method and system of the present invention determines whether a Health Care Worker (HCW) uses a sanitation product, such as applying a hand sanitiser, washing hands with soap and water, or wearing gloves, before coming in close proximity to, or touching a patient. If the HCW does not use a sanitation product, the system may issue 6 a warning to use a sanitation product. If the sanitation product is applied within a period of time from the warning, the system records a compliance with a hygiene control protocol. If the sanitation product is not applied within a period of time, the system records a non-compliance with the hygiene control protocol, including an identification of the HCW. [0019] An advantage of the present invention is that the warning may be provided to prompt a HCW, for example a doctor or a nurse, to use a sanitisation product before coming in contact with a patient in order to reduce the chance of the patient contracting a Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI). In addition, the present invention allows for the collection of statistics for compliance with the hygiene control protocol. [0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hygiene control system 100, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The system 100 includes a number of sensors 110, 112, 114. Each of the sensors 110, 112, 114 is in communication with a central server 130 using any suitable wired or wireless connection, for example wireless Local Area Networks (LAN), Bluetooth@, Zigbee @, or Ethernet@. Similarly, the information panel 120A is in communication with the central server 130 using any suitable wired or wireless connection. [0021] The central server 130 includes a processor coupled to a memory, and the memory includes program code instructions for performing the method of the present invention. Although the central server 130 is shown as being in direct connection to the sensors 110, 112, 114, and the information panel 120A it should be appreciated that any suitable computer in a network may be used to perform the method of the present invention. [0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a layout of the system 100 of FIG. 1 in a hospital room 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sensors 110, 112, 114 and the information panel 120A are located at strategic locations in the hospital room 200. Although the central server 130 may also be in the room 200, it is envisaged that the central server 130 may be in a secure location such as a server room. [0023] The first sensor 110 is located at a head 21 CA of a bed 210 in order to determine an identity of a HCW in close proximity to a patient 220. In one embodiment, 7 the first sensor 110 includes a Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) reader for reading an RFID card associated with the HCW. For example, the RFID card may be the HCW's security pass, and includes a user ID. The first sensor 110 is configured to read the user ID from the RFID card within a patient zone in the form of a first zone 201 near to, or surrounding the patient 220, for example a 1.5m semi-circular radius from the first sensor 110. The first sensor 110 also includes a first sensor ID to identify the first sensor 110. For example the first sensor ID may include a location of the first sensor 110 such as a room number, and/or a ward number and/or a bed number in a hospital. [0024] In one embodiment, the second sensor 112 is located next to a hand sanitiser dispenser at a foot 21 OB of the bed 210 in order to determine an identity of a HCW using the hand sanitiser dispenser. Similar to the first sensor 110, the second sensor 112 also includes a Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) reader 112A for reading the user ID from the RFID card of the HCW. The RFID reader 112A is configured to read the RFID card within a sanitation zone in the form of a second zone 202 near the hand sanitiser dispenser, for example a 0.5m semi-circular radius from the second sensor 112. Similar to the first sensor 110, the second sensor 112 includes a second sensor ID to identify the second sensor 112. [0025] The third sensor 114 is located next to a sink to determine an identity of a HCW at the sink. At the sink is located a soap dispenser and a glove dispenser. For example the HCW may wash their hands using soap dispensed from a soap dispenser, or put on gloves dispensed from a glove dispenser. Similar to the first and second sensors 110, 112, the third sensor 114 also includes a Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) reader 11 4A for reading a user ID from the RFID card of the HCW. The RFID reader 11 4A is configured to read the RFID card within a sanitation zone in the form of a third zone 203 near the soap dispenser and the glove dispenser, for example a 0.5m semi-circular radius from the third sensor 114. Similar to the first and second sensors 110, 112, the third sensor 114 includes a third sensor ID. [0026] Each time a HCW enters a respective zone 201, 202, 203, a respective sensor 110, 112, 114 is triggered, by reading the user ID from the RFID card of the HCW. In response, the respective sensor 110, 112, 114 sends a respective trigger signal to the central server 130. Each trigger signal includes a time the respective 8 sensor 110, 112, 114 was triggered, a respective sensor ID and the user ID. In one embodiment, if the second or third sensors 112, 114 are triggered at a time before the first sensor 110 is triggered, for the same user ID, the central server 130 records a compliance with a hygiene control protocol. However if the first sensor 110 is triggered at a time before either the second or third sensor 112, 114 is triggered for a same user ID, the central server 130 records a non-compliance with the hygiene control protocol. Each trigger signal received at the central server 130 may also be stored for later analysis, for example to determine HCW repeat offenders who repeatedly do not use sanitation products before engaging with a patient. [0027] The information panel 120A is positioned at the head 21 CA of the bed 210 or is located at another suitable location, so that it may easily be seen and heard by HCWs triggering one or more of the sensor 110, 112,114. The information panel 120A is a standard computing device, such as a Personal Computer, a tablet computer, or any other suitable computing device. The information panel 120A may include a video display unit and a speaker for indicating compliance or non-compliance. For non compliance, a red screen with appropriate text may be shown together with an audible alert, and for compliance a green screen with appropriate text may be shown without an audible alert. In addition, the information panel 120A may display messages for conveying hygiene control tips to HCWs. [0028] The embodiment described above assumes that when a HCW enters a zone 201, 202, 203 and triggers the RFID reader of a respective sensor 110, 112, 114 the HCW performs a particular task, such as interacting with the patient when the HCW is in the first zone 201, or applying a sanitation product when the HCW is in either the second or third zones 202, 203. However it is possible that, although the HCW may trigger a sensor 112, 114, the HCW may not actually use the sanitation product. [0029] In another embodiment of the invention, the second and third sensors 112, 114 may include a plurality of sensors for detecting a use of a sanitation product, in addition to detecting the identity of the HCW. Although not shown, a sanitation product may positioned at the head of the bed, thus the first sensor 110 may also include a plurality of sensors. For example, in addition to the RFID readers 11 2A, 11 4A, sensors 112, 114, may each include one or more further sensors 112B, 114B, 114C. The further 9 sensors 112B, 114B, 114C are coupled to a respective sanitation dispenser, and are triggered when a sanitation product is dispensed. In one embodiment each of the further sensors 112B, 114B, 114C is an infrared sensor however it should be appreciated the further sensors 112B, 114B, 114C may be any suitable sensor, such as a switch. In one embodiment, further sensor 112B is coupled to a hand sanitiser dispenser, further sensor 11 4B is coupled to a soap dispenser, and further sensor 114C is coupled to a glove dispenser. [0030] Similar to the RFID readers of sensors 110, 112, 114, each further sensor 112B, 114B, 114C includes a sensor ID. For example, the sensor ID may further include a type of sanitation product in addition to a location of the sanitation product. [0031] In this embodiment, each time a further sensor 112B, 114B, 114C is triggered, a respective RFID sensor 112A, 114A is triggered to read a user ID. The sensor ID, the user ID, and a time are then sent to the central server 130. Similar to the previous embodiment, the central server 130 determines compliance according to a location of a sensor, an order in which the sensors 110, 112, 114 are triggered and the user ID. [0032] Although the embodiment described in FIG 2 includes a single bed in a single hospital room, it should be appreciated that the present invention may be applied to a plurality of beds in a plurality of rooms. [0033] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a plan view of a second hospital room 300 including a plurality of beds according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hospital room 300 is similar to the hospital room 200 shown in FIG. 2, except that the room includes a first bed 310 and a second bed 312. Although only two beds are shown, the room 300 may include any number of beds. In addition, it should be appreciated that the present invention may operate throughout a plurality of rooms. [0034] In this embodiment, the first sensor 110 is located at a head 31 CA of the first bed 310 in order to determine an identity of a HCW in close proximity to a first patient 320 in a first zone 301. The second sensor 112 is located next to a first hand sanitiser dispenser at a foot 31 OB of the first bed 310 in order to determine an identity of a HCW using the first hand sanitiser in a second zone 302. The third sensor 114 is located next to a sink to determine an identity of a HCW at the sink in a third zone 303.

10 [0035] In addition, a fourth sensor 116 is located at a head 312A of the second bed 312 in order to determine an identity of a HCW in close proximity to a second patient 322. Similar to the first sensor 110, the fourth sensor 116 includes a Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) reader for reading a user ID from an RFID card associated with the HCW. The fourth sensor 116 is configured to read the RFID card within a fourth zone 304 near to, or surrounding the second patient 322, for example, a 1.5m semi-circular radius from the fourth sensor 116. The fourth sensor 116 also includes a fourth sensor ID to identify the fourth sensor 116, to identify a type and location of the fourth sensor 116. [0036] A fifth sensor 118 is located next to a second hand sanitiser dispenser at a foot 312B of the second bed 312 in order to determine an identity of a HCW using a second hand sanitiser. Similar to the second sensor 112, the fifth sensor 118 also includes a Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) reader 11 8A for reading a user ID from the RFID card of the HCW. The RFID reader 11 8A is configured to read the RFID card within a fifth zone 305 near the second hand sanitiser dispenser, for example a 0.5m semi-circular radius from the fifth sensor 118. The fifth sensor 118 includes a fifth sensor ID to identify a type and location of the fifth sensor 118. [0037] In addition, and similar to the second sensor 112, the fifth sensor 118 may include a plurality of sensors for detecting a use of one or more sanitation dispensers. For example, the fifth sensor 118 may include a further sensor 11 8B for detecting an operation of the second hand sanitiser dispenser. Similar to the further sensor 112B, the further sensor 11 8B can be an infrared sensor, or any other device for detecting operation of a sanitation dispenser, for example a switch. Although only one further sensor is described, it should be appreciated that further sensors may be coupled to other sanitation dispensers such as a glove dispenser located at the foot 312B of the second bed 312. [0038] A respective information panel 120B, 120C is positioned at the head 31 CA, 312A of each respective bed 310, 312. The information panels 120B, 120C are identical to the information panel 120A of FIGs. 1 and 2. Each information panel 120B, 120C is connected to the central server 130 by any suitable wired or wireless connection in order to indicate compliance. However it should be appreciated that the system may be 11 configured to display information on any number of information panels. The central server 130 sends compliance information to a suitable information panel 120B, 120C, according to a likely location of the HCW. For example, if the HCW enters the first zone 301, surrounding the first patient 320, without triggering the second, third or fifth sensors 112, 114, 118, the central server 130 will send compliance information to the closest information panel, i.e. the first information panel 120B. [0039] A number of scenarios will now be discussed for a single bed room with a single entry and exit point. In the scenarios below, compliance is determined based on the WHO's "5 Moments of Hand Hygiene" as the hygiene control protocol. Each time hand sanitizing should occur is called an "opportunity". If appropriate hand sanitizing does occur it is called an "action". It should be appreciated that the scenarios provided below are non-exhaustive, and that numerous other scenarios may exist. In addition, although the scenarios have been described in relation to the WHO's "5 Moments of Hand Hygiene" as the hygiene control protocol, it should be appreciated that the scenarios below may be applied using other hygiene control protocols. [0040] As previously stated, the 5 moments of Hand Hygiene are that hands must be sanitised: Moment 1: Before touching a patient Moment 2: Immediately prior to any procedure Moment 3: Immediately after a procedure of body fluid exposure risk Moment 4: After touching a patient Moment 5: After touching the patient's immediate surroundings and leaving the patient zone. [0041] Referring again to FIG. 2, in a first scenario, the HCW moves in and out of the room 200 without sanitising his or her hands or entering the first zone 201 near or surrounding the patient 220. As a result, the HCW does not trigger any sensors, and neither an "opportunity" nor an "action" has taken place. [0042] In a second scenario, the HCW uses the hand sanitizer triggering the second sensor 112, but does not enter the first zone 201. As no further sensors are triggered the central server 130 determines that neither an "opportunity" nor an "action" has taken place, and merely records a sensor ID, a user ID and a time.

12 [0043] In another scenario, the HCW sanitises his or her hands, triggering the second sensor 112, and then moves into the first zone 201 triggering the first sensor 110. As the second sensor 112 was triggered within a pre-set time before the first sensor 110 was triggered, the central server 130 determines and records a compliance with moment 1. [0044] In a further scenario, the HCW moves directly into the first zone 201 by triggering the first sensor 110 without sanitizing his or her hands thus the second and third sensors 112, 114 are not triggered. In this case, the central server 130 sends a reminder to the HCW via the information panel 120A, such as an audible and/or a visual alert to prompt the HCW to use a sanitation product. For example a message such as "Please clean your hands", or "Dr Smith, please sanitize your hands" may be displayed on the information panel 120A with an accompanying audible alert. [0045] If the HCW uses a sanitation product within a certain period of time, by triggering either of the second and third sensors 112, 114, and re-enters the first zone 201, by triggering the first sensor 110, the central server 130 determines and records a compliance event for moment 1. If the HCW does not use a sanitation product within 5 seconds for example, i.e. the HCW does not trigger the second or the third sensors 112, 114 before the first sensor 110 is triggered, the central server 130 determines and records a non-compliance with moment 1. [0046] In addition, the present invention may determine compliance according to a category of HCW, for example primary HCWs and secondary HCWs. Each user ID stored in the central server 130 is associated with a HCW category. For primary HCWs for example Medical, Nursing, Allied Health or Ward staff, it is assumed that the primary HCW will interact or touch patients. For secondary HCWs, such as cleaners, maintenance or catering staff, it is presumed that the HCW does not touch the patient, but may touch the patient's surroundings, thus a non-compliance event is not recorded by failure to use a sanitation product prior to entry into the first zone 201 near or surrounding the patient 220. However secondary HCWs are required to sanitise their hands when leaving the first zone 201. For a secondary HCW, compliance with a moment 5 is recorded by the central server 130 if the central server 130 determines that sanitation occurs after leaving the first zone 201 i.e. the second sensor 112 is triggered 13 after the first sensor 110 is triggered. If not, i.e. the HCW enters another patient zone directly, the central server 130 determines a non-compliance with moment 5. [0047] In yet a further scenario, a HCW moves from the first zone 201, thus the first sensor 210 has already been triggered, to the hand sanitizer, triggering the second sensor 212, and then leaves the room. Thus the central server 130 determines and records a compliance with moment 4 for a primary HCW, and would determine compliance with moment 5 for a secondary HCW, as the HCW has used a sanitation product after leaving the first zone 201. [0048] In another scenario, the HCW moves from the first zone 201, thus the first sensor 110 has already been triggered, to the sink to put on a pair of gloves, triggering an infrared sensor of the third sensor 114, and then leaves the room. Thus the central server 130 determines and records a compliance with moment 3. [0049] In yet a further scenario, a HCW moves from the first zone 201, thus the first sensor 110 has previously been triggered, without moving to the hand sanitiser or the sink before leaving the room. Thus neither the second or third sensors 112, 114 are triggered. In the case where a primary HCW puts on gloves before entering the first zone 201 and triggering the infrared sensor of the third sensor 114, the central server 130 determines and records a non-compliance with moment 3, as a sanitation product was not used when leaving the room. Similarly, where a primary HCW uses a hand sanitizer, by triggering the second sensor 112 before entering the first zone 201, the central server 130 determines and records a non-compliance with moment 3, as a sanitation product was not used prior to leaving the room. However in the case of a secondary HCW, the central server 130 determines and records a non-compliance event with moment 5, as the secondary HCW did not use a sanitation product before leaving the first zone 201. [0050] In a further scenario, a primary HCW moves from the first zone 201, thus the first sensor 110 has previously been triggered, to the hand sanitiser by triggering the second sensor 112 and then re-enters the first zone 201 by triggering the first sensor 110. Thus the central server 130 determines and records a compliance with moments 4 and 1. [0051] In another scenario, if a secondary HCW leaves the first zone 201, thus the 14 first sensor 110 has previously been triggered, and uses a hand sanitiser triggering the second sensor 112, before moving back into the first zone 201, triggering the first sensor 110, the central server 130 determines and records a compliance with moment 5, as there is no requirement for a secondary HCW to use a hand sanitiser before touching a patient's surroundings, only after touching the patients surroundings. When the secondary HCW leaves the first zone 201, thus the first sensor 110 has previously been triggered, and applies a hand sanitiser by triggering the second sensor 112, the central server 130 determines and records another compliance with moment 5. However if the central server 130 determines that the secondary HCW does not use a hand sanitiser, by not triggering the second sensor 112, the central server 130 determines a non-compliance with moment 5. [0052] In yet another scenario, if a primary HCW moves from the first zone 201, thus the first sensor 110 has previously been triggered, to the hand sanitiser triggering the second sensor 112, the central server 130 determines and records a compliance with moment 4. If the primary HCW then moves to the glove dispenser triggering the third sensor 114 before re-entering the first zone 201 and triggering the first sensor 110, the central server 130 determines and records a compliance with moment 2. [0053] In yet another scenario, if a HCW moves from the first zone 201, thus the first sensor 110 has previously been triggered, to the glove dispenser triggering the third sensor 114, without using the hand sanitiser, the central server 130 determines a non compliance for moment 4, as the HCW did not apply a hand sanitiser when leaving a first zone 201. If however the HCW triggers the third sensor 114 at the glove dispenser and then re-enters the first zone 201 by triggering the first sensor 110, the central server 130 determines and records a non-compliance with moment 2. [0054] Further to the explanation provided above, Table 1 below shows data received from the sensors according to an embodiment of the present invention. User Name & Time Time Time Time Time Time ID category sensor sensor sensor sensor sensor sensor 110 112A 114A 112B 114B 114C Triggered Triggered Triggered Triggered Triggered Triggered 1 Dr 24.8.13 Jones 9.34am primary Table 1 15 [0055] As shown in Table 1 above, only the first sensor 110 was triggered indicating that the HCW entered the first zone 201 without sanitising his or her hands and triggering either the second sensor 112 or the third sensor 114. Thus the central server 130 would send an alert to the information panel 120A at the head 21 0A of the patient's bed 210. Also, the central server 130 can determine a name and a category of the HCW. User Name & Time Time Time Time Time Time ID category sensor sensor sensor sensor sensor sensor 110 112A 114A 112B (IR) 114B (IR) 114C (IR) (RFID) (RFID) (RFID) Triggered Triggered Triggered Triggered Triggered Triggered 1 Dr 24.8.13 24.8.13 24.8.13 24.8.13 24.8.13 Jones 9.33am 9.34am 9.38am 9.34am 9.38am primary I Table 2 [0056] Table 2 shows data received from the various sensors 110, 112, 114 according to another scenario. As shown in Table 2 above, as the first sensor 110 in the first zone 201 was triggered before the second or third sensors 112, 114, non compliance information in the form of an alert, is sent to the information panel 120A. Note that when an infrared sensor is triggered, a corresponding RFID sensor is also triggered and records the same time, indicating that the HCW was in the zone of the sensor and applied a sanitation product. If the HCW was in the zone of a sensor, but did not apply a sanitation product, only the RFID sensor would be triggered and the central server 130 would not register this as a sanitation event. User Name & Time Time Time Time Time Time ID category sensor sensor sensor sensor sensor sensor 110 112A 114A 112B (IR) 114B (IR) 114C (IR) (RFID) (RFID) (RFID) Triggered Triggered Triggered Triggered Triggered Triggered 1 Dr 24.8.13 24.8.13 24.8.13 24.8.13 24.8.13 24.8.13 Jones 9.35am 9.34am 9.38am 9.34am 9.38am 9.38am primary I Table 3 [0057] Table 2 shows data received from the various sensors 110, 112, 114 according to yet another scenario. In this scenario, the central server 130 determines compliance, as the second sensor 112 was triggered before the first sensor 110 in the first zone 201.

16 [0058] Although described in relation to single bed rooms, the above scenarios can equally be applied to a room or a plurality of rooms including a plurality of beds. The scenarios below are described in relation to a plurality of beds with reference to FIG. 3. Similar to the scenarios regarding a single bed room, it should be appreciated that the scenarios provided below are non-exhaustive, and that numerous other scenarios may exist. In addition, although the scenarios have been described in relation to the WHO's "5 Moments of Hand Hygiene" as the hygiene control protocol, it should be appreciated that the scenarios presented below may be applied using other hygiene control protocols. [0059] Referring again to FIG. 3, in one scenario, a HCW moves from the first zone 301, near or surrounding the first patient 320, uses a hand sanitiser located at the foot of any bed triggering either the second or the fifth sensor 112, 118, and then enters the fourth zone 304, near or surrounding the second patient 322, triggering the fourth sensor 116. Thus the central server 130 determines and records a compliance with moments 4 and 1, as the HCW has used a hand sanitiser after touching one patient and before touching another. If a secondary HCW leaves the first zone 301 and uses a hand sanitiser triggering either the second or the fifth sensor 112, 118, before entering the fourth zone 304 triggering the fourth sensor 118, the central server 130 determines and records a compliance with moment 5, as there is no requirement for the secondary HCW to use a hand sanitiser before touching the patient's surroundings, only afterwards. [0060] In another scenario, a HCW moves from the first zone 301 near the first patient 320, thus the first sensor 110 has already been triggered. The HCW then enters the fourth zone 304 near the second patient 322, triggering the fourth sensor 116 without using a hand sanitiser i.e. the second, third and fifth sensors 112, 114, 118 are not triggered. Thus the central server 130 determines that the HCW did not use a sanitation product between patients and displays a suitable warning message on an information display located at the head of a bed. If the central server 130 determines that a primary HCW uses the hand sanitiser triggering one of the second, third and fifth sensors 112, 114, 118 within a short time interval, and the primary HCW re-enters the fourth zone 304, triggering the fourth sensor 116, the central server 130 determines and records compliance with moments 4 and 1. If the central server 130 determines that the 17 primary HCW does not apply hand sanitation within the short time interval, i.e. one of the second, third and fifth sensors 112, 114, 118 is not triggered, the central server 130 determines and records a non-compliance with moments 4 and 1. [0061] If a secondary HCW leaves the first zone 301 and enters the fourth zone 304 without first using a hand sanitiser, the central server 130 issues a warning via the information display 120B, 120C located at a head of a bed. If the secondary HCW applies hand sanitation within a short time interval, the central server 130 determines and records compliance with moment 5. If the central server 130 determines that hand sanitation has not been used within the short time interval, the central server 130 determines and records a non-compliance with moment 5. [0062] In yet a further scenario, a primary HCW moves from a first zone 301 and washes hands at a sink before moving directly to the fourth zone 304. In one embodiment, the only time it is appropriate to wash hands at the sink between patients is after a procedure on a first patient. As a result, once the primary HCW washes his or her hands at the sink, the central server 130 determines compliance with moment 3, and when the primary HCW enters the fourth zone 304 near the second patient 322, the central server 130 determines compliance with moment 1. In summary, the method and system of the present invention determines compliance with a hygiene control protocol. FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of a hygiene control method, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, at step 410, a first trigger signal is received from a first sensor, the first trigger signal including a first sensor ID and a first user ID, at a first time. At step 420, a second trigger signal is received from a second sensor, the second trigger signal including a second sensor ID and the first user ID, at a second time. At step 430, it is determined that the first time is before the second time. Finally at step 440, compliance is determined with a hygiene control protocol. [0063] FIG. 5 diagrammatically illustrates a computing device 500, such as the information panels 120A, 120B, 120C of FIGs. 1 and 2 and central server 130 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, the method 400 of FIG. 4 can be implemented using the computing device 500. [0064] The computing device 500 includes a central processor 502, a system 18 memory 504 and a system bus 506 that couples various system components, including coupling the system memory 504 to the central processor 502. The system bus 506 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The structure of system memory 504 is well known to those skilled in the art and may include a basic input/output system (BIOS) stored in a read only memory (ROM) and one or more program modules such as operating systems, application programs and program data stored in random access memory (RAM). [0065] The computing device 500 can also include a variety of interface units and drives for reading and writing data. The data can include, for example, data received from the trigger signal as discussed above. [0066] In particular, the computing device 500 includes a hard disk interface 508 and a removable memory interface 510, respectively coupling a hard disk drive 512 and a removable memory drive 514 to the system bus 506. Examples of removable memory drives 514 include magnetic disk drives and optical disk drives. The drives and their associated computer-readable media, such as a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) 516 provide non-volatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer system 500. A single hard disk drive 512 and a single removable memory drive 514 are shown for illustration purposes only and with the understanding that the computing device 500 can include several similar drives. Furthermore, the computing device 500 can include drives for interfacing with other types of computer readable media. [0067] The computing device 500 may include additional interfaces for connecting devices to the system bus 506. FIG. 5 shows a universal serial bus (USB) interface 518 which may be used to couple a device to the system bus 506. For example, an IEEE 1394 interface 520 may be used to couple additional devices to the computing device 500. [0068] The computing device 500 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers or other devices, such as a server, a router, a network personal computer, a peer device or other common network node, a wireless telephone or wireless personal digital assistant. The computing device 19 500 includes a network interface 522 that couples the system bus 506 to a local area network (LAN) 524. Networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise wide computer networks and home computer systems. [0069] A wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, can also be accessed by the computing device, for example via a modem unit connected to a serial port interface 526 or via the LAN 524. Transmission of data can be performed using the LAN 524, the WAN, or a combination thereof. [0070] It will be appreciated that the network connections shown and described are exemplary and other ways of establishing a communications link between computers can be used. The existence of any of various well-known protocols, such as TCP/IP, Frame Relay, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like, is presumed, and the computing device 1100 can be operated in a client-server configuration to permit a user to retrieve data from, for example, a web-based server. [0071] The operation of the computing device 500 can be controlled by a variety of different program modules. Examples of program modules are routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The present invention may also be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal digital assistants and the like. Furthermore, the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. [0072] The present invention provides a system and method of hygiene control, and some advantages of the present invention include: 1) The system provides a reliable capture of all opportunities and actions for hand hygiene based on the WHO's "Five Moments"; 2) The system can identify individual HCWs, a type of HCW, and location and time of events to allow for personal performance feedback and identification of serial offenders; 20 3) The system provides reminders to HCWs to use a sanitation product before a non compliance is recorded, thus promoting behaviour change; 4) The data captured can be used to comply with the reporting requirements of the NHHI (which is mandatory for all Australian Public hospitals); 5) The system does not interfere with current work-flow of HCWs as no additional procedures or actions are required over and above those required by current HHA protocol; 6) The system uses technology that is currently being used in health care environments routinely such as wireless networks; and 7) The only requirement for the system to work is for each HCW to wear an RFID card at all times. Thus the HCW does not need to perform any additional tasks. The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this patent specification is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims (19)

1. A method of hygiene control, comprising: receiving a first trigger signal from a first sensor, the first trigger signal including a first sensor ID and a first user ID, at a first time; receiving a second trigger signal from a second sensor, the second trigger signal including a second sensor ID and the first user ID, at a second time; determining that the first time is before the second time; and determining compliance with a hygiene control protocol.

2. A hygiene control system, comprising: a central server, the central server including: a memory coupled to a processor, wherein the memory includes computer readable program code components configured to: receive a first trigger signal from a first sensor, the first trigger signal including a sensor ID and a first user ID, at a first time; receive a second trigger signal from a second sensor, the second trigger signal including a second sensor ID and the first user ID, at a second time; determine that the first time is before the second time; and assess compliance with a hygiene control protocol.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein compliance information is sent to an information panel for indicating compliance.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the information panel includes a display for indicating compliance.

5. The system of claim 3 wherein the information panel includes an audible device for indicating compliance.

6. The system of claim 2 wherein the compliance information is sent to an 22 information display according to a sensor ID.

7. The system of claim 2 wherein compliance is additionally determined according to a category of the first user.

8. The system of claim 2 wherein compliance is additionally determined according to the first sensor ID and the second sensor ID.

9. The system of claim 2 wherein the first sensor includes an RFID reader.

10. The system of claim 2 wherein the first sensor includes a plurality of sensors.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the plurality of sensors includes an RFID reader and an infrared sensor.

12. The system of claim 2 wherein the second sensor includes an RFID reader.

13. The system of claim 2 wherein the second sensor includes a plurality of sensors.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the plurality of sensors includes an RFID reader and an infrared sensor.

15. The system of claim 2 wherein the system comprises a plurality of RFID readers, and each RFID reader is configured to read the first user ID within a predetermined range.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein each RFID reader reads the first user ID from an RFID card.

17. The system of claim 2 wherein compliance is indicated by a visual indication or an audible indication. 23

18. The system of claim 2 wherein each sensor ID includes a sensor type or a sensor location.

19. The system of claim 2 wherein the hygiene control protocol is based on the World Health Organisation's "5 Moments of Hand Hygiene".