Experts are currently discussing what amount of hand disinfectant should be used, and how long it should be left on for hygienic hand disinfection. According to a new study, the length of time the disinfectant is rubbed in determines its effectiveness. The size of the hands, or the amount used, however, are less significant.
In a stressful working day, healthcare professionals might forget to clean their hands every time it is necessary. By encouraging patients to remind nurses and doctors of their hand hygiene, compliance rates increase, which results in a decrease in infection rates. Although campaigns such as these may initially seem intimidating, they are bringing about a positive cultural change.
Hand hygiene is still not sufficiently and consistently implemented. One possible reason is that medical personnel do not seem to be aware of how often they touch patients, and the surfaces inside and outside of the patient's environment. Such contacts can transmit microorganisms and create potential risks of infection.
