Reduced Lost Training Time Outcome Study
Improving the Army's readiness posture by reducing lost training time
A study at Fort Sill demonstrates that a comprehensive hand hygiene program using hand sanitizer is effective in decreasing the amount of lost duty time.
The US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine; Reynolds Army Community Hospital, Fort Sill, OK; and GOJO Industries, Inc. collaborated in this study conducted at the Fort Sill, Oklahoma Army base. The objective was to improve the Army's readiness posture by reducing lost training time.
In the study four trained battalions were assigned to stratified intervention groups and a control group from January through April 2005. Military data systems were used to track outpatient ICD-9 codes, quarters dispositions, Self-Care medication utilization for >15,000 soldiers, and pre and post study surveys were conducted.
The Results: Reduced lost training time by 43%, reduced medical visits by 33%
Institutional change created an environment that fostered a positive change in hand hygiene behavior. This change led to a significant reduction in lost training time in both intervention groups when compared to the control.
Conclusions:
A comprehensive hand hygiene program using hand sanitizer is effective in decreasing the amount of lost duty time. This saves scarce training and healthcare dollars wihile developing core skills essential to the success of Army missions abroad.