Lakeview Hospital first hospital in Louisiana to use revolutionary device to track and confirm handwashing

Lakeview Hospital , a campus of Tulane Medical Center, is the first hospital in Louisiana to utilize Biovigil, the newest health technology solution in reducing hospital-associated infections through hand hygiene. BioVigil is a revolutionary solution that reinforces proper hand hygiene practices with every patient interaction.

“Consistent hand hygiene is the single most powerful method to prevent transmission of disease, and our commitment to patient safety and quality-of-care is at the forefront of why we have implemented the BioVigil system,” said Bret Kolman, Lakeview Regional CEO. “This cutting-edge technology will monitor hand hygiene compliance and give our patients peace of mind in knowing they are being treated in a safe and clean environment.”

"Consistent hand hygiene is the single most powerful method to prevent transmission of disease, and our commitment to patient safety and quality-of-care is at the forefront of why we have implemented the BioVigil system" Bret Kolman, CEO

According to the Centers for Disease Control, Louisiana and Mississippi are among three U.S. states already experiencing high flu activity. “Flu season” typically peaks between December and February, and can last as late as May. Influenza vaccination is the most effective strategy to prevent influenza infections; but the second most effective strategy is frequent hand-washing.

The BioVigil system works with a device attached to each staff member’s identification badge. A tiny computer and built-in sensor technology in the badge detects chemical vapors from alcohol-based hand washing solutions used throughout the hospital. The BioVigil badge automatically reminds clinicians when hand hygiene is required with sounds. The visual lights communicate the clinician’s hand hygiene status to the patient. A green light means hands are clean, yellow offers a hygiene reminder, and a red light indicates the clinician must perform hand hygiene.

This technology is proven to help reduce risk of infection, according to BioVigil. All Lakeview Regional staff are required to wash hands with hand sanitizer or soap upon entering a room and exiting a room.

BioVigil also offers a reporting system for an added layer of tracking and accountability. Each employee is given a system identification number, and he or she uses that number to log in before putting on the badge. This allows for review of individual hand washing logs, as well as time spent in each area.

“The prevention of healthcare-associated infections – or the spread of flu – means anyone who comes in contact with a patient needs to act responsibly and maintain proper hand hygiene,” Kolman said. “This is another aspect of our commitment to patient safety.”

The CDC states that it is not too late to get a flu vaccine. While it takes approximately two weeks for the antibodies to develop in the body, it is still beneficial to get vaccinated, including reducing flu illnesses, doctor’s visits and missed work or school due to flu.