A system to improve hand hygiene for older hospitalized patients

Clean Hands Accessible and Manageable for Patients (CHAMPs): A Technology-based Self-management Intervention to Improve Patient Hand Hygiene and Reduce Hand Contamination Among Older Adults

Not applicable Interventional Case Western Reserve University · NCT05866393

This study is testing a new hand hygiene system for older hospital patients to see if it helps them clean their hands better and reduce the risk of infections.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCase Western Reserve University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations2 sites (Cleveland, Ohio and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05866393 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study introduces a novel hand hygiene system designed for hospitalized older adults, utilizing a bedrail-mounted device that provides verbal and visual reminders to encourage self-management of hand hygiene. The goal is to enhance the ability of older patients to clean their hands independently, thereby reducing the risk of infections associated with poor hand hygiene practices. The system addresses barriers such as physical limitations and cognitive challenges that often prevent older adults from effectively using traditional hand hygiene products. By implementing this technology, the study aims to create a sustainable, patient-centered intervention that promotes safety and infection prevention in hospital settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults aged 65 and above who are admitted to a medical-surgical unit and are expected to stay hospitalized for more than 24 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with terminal illnesses, severe cognitive impairments, or those unable to interact with the CHAMPs system will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce infection rates among older hospitalized patients by improving their hand hygiene practices.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using technology to enhance hand hygiene in older adults is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in improving hygiene practices in various populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. \> 65 years of age,
2. Admitted to a medical-surgical unit,
3. Expected to be hospitalized for more than 24 hours,
4. Written informed consent within 24-48 hours of admission, and
5. Speak and read English
6. Physical capacity to use the CHAMPs system
7. Sufficient hearing and seeing capacity to indicate understanding and use of the intervention.

Exclusion Criteria

1. terminal illness that prohibit interaction with CHAMPs
2. behavior disorder
3. violent behavior
4. physical or cognitive impairments that prohibit interaction with CHAMPs
5. limiting understanding and use of CHAMPs
6. undergoing radiation or chemotherapy that prohibit interaction with CHAMPs
7. skin disorders or
8. broken skin on hands.

Where this trial is running

Cleveland, Ohio and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pathogen TransmissionPatient ParticipationAgingpatient hand hygieneself-managementinfection prevention and contrololder adult
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.