Hands-On Management Program (NEHA)

Abstract: “Hands-On” Management Program (NEHA)

Goal: Â To test management system to double the frequency of handwashing.

1. The preliminary results of this six replicate test will be presented at NEHA 2004.
2. Imagine the potential to reduce the incidence of foodborne illness if we can demonstrate a system that can average a doubling of handwashing frequency across six different foodservice operations.
3. Six independent “researchers” run each of the tests.
4. All tests are in the three priority segments of restaurants, schools and healthcare.
5. Some research sites will be overseen/facilitated by regulators or academics and some by operators.
6. There will be thousands of documented handwashes by hundreds of prep-line workers and servers at 20+ Best Practices hand hygiene stations maintained by 20+ PICs.
7. Start-up timing was complicated by school schedules, an early NEHA date in 2004, May 9-12, and of course the Christmas period. The second phase will extend through 2005.
   • A. Objective: Demonstrate a system whereby handwashing frequency can be raised to a "generally regarded as safe" level - double the current rates- and maintained via continuous improvement techniques.
   • B. Method: Install The Handwashing For Life “Hands-On” system for the PIC.
   • C. Budget: Research design calls for predominantly volunteers. (Trade control for credibility of researchers.)
   • D. Timing:
   • October 23rd - Decide dispensers & soap, research protocol. Draft NEHA presentation and Site Summary Executive Report.
     October 24th - Briefing of researchers, agreement to process, names/contact info of on-site manager and timetable, receipt of info re number of handsinks
     November 3rd - Approval from NEHA confirmed - Appointment of resource person and associated field contacts/links to maintain supplies.
     November 7th - Sending of dispensers and start-up quantities of supplies. Installations. Review and identify hand hygiene station components/requirements.
     November 17th - Start baseline recordings. Prepare Risk Assessment for each location.
     December 8th - Register each establishment as a Handwashing For Life Member Operator, giving them access to online training resources - Video program and posters. Test viability with three workers at each site.
     December 12th - Visit PEC for review of the “Hands-On” system in action and a review of the field research design. (Looking to impact on CFP)
     December 15th - Web enhancements reviewed, final updates.
     January 5, 2004 - Upgrade hand hygiene station components as required.
     January 12, 2004 - Add Training and Posters
     February 16, 2004 -Add Line Check. Move posters.
     March 15th - Add contest factor where possible. Move posters.
     April 30th - Phase 1 reports in. Prepare NEHA presentation. Continue tests where possible. Look to possibly add on sanitizer test/s, including a front-of-house program.
     May 5th - Develop format for publication and sharing with key operators.
     May 9th - Decision to continue tests and restart the healthcare site.