WHO global research agenda for hand hygiene improvement in health care: a Delphi consensus study

• DOI: 10.1017/ice.2025.32
• Publication Date: 2025-03-20T09:39:37Z
• Authors: Benedetta Allegranzi; Ermira Tartari; Claire Kilpatrick; Julie Storr; Nita Bellare; João Bana; Ana Flávia Santos; Sarah Charnaud; Anna Laura Ross; Mitchell J. Schwaber; Didier Pittet
• Keywords: Delphi Method; Delphi

Abstract Objective: To identify global research priorities for improving hand hygiene in healthcare settings and develop a 2023–2030 agenda to guide funding, coordinate research, promote investment, inform policy enhanced quality safety. Design: Expert consensus study using modified Delphi process. Participants: A 105-member panel of international experts including the World Health Organization (WHO) Technical Advisory Group Experts on Hand Hygiene Healthcare representing all WHO regions Bank income levels. Methods: The were identified through multiphase approach meta-review establish knowledge gaps initial priorities, followed by expert consultations 192 preliminary included two-round survey. rated each priority first round, then reviewed adjusted responses based panel’s aggregated, anonymous second round. Ratings collected five-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined as combined “strongly agree” “agree” frequency at least 70%. Results: achieved 178 (92.7%), categorized into six domains: system change; training education; evaluation feedback; reminders communications; institutional safety climate; improvement impact healthcare-associated infections antimicrobial resistance. Of these, 121 reached >80% consensus. process, maintained 92% response rate over two rounds. Conclusions: structured process yielded address improvement, supporting globally.