Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
Impact of teaching interventions on nurse compliance with hand disinfection
1Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland. infcco@usz.unizh.ch
Abstract:
The impact of teaching interventions and the availability of additional dispensers for alcoholic hand disinfection was measured during three study periods. A nursing care system of relevant nursing interventions was found to be a useful tool for the assessment of compliance with hand hygiene requirements if combined with an analysis of hand disinfectant use. This study shows that compliance with hand disinfection can be improved through targeted teaching and supportive structural improvements, and that this positive impact may persist even after targeted teaching activities have ended.
Related Concept Videos
Obedience
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of Equipment
Hand wash basins in clinical areas should have faucets that can be turned on and off without using the hands; that is, they should be non-touch or lever-operated.
Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps
The hand washing procedure itself includes the following steps. First, cover cuts, if any, on hands with a waterproof dressing. Cuts and abrasions can become contaminated with bacteria hindering the ability to clean the area thoroughly. In addition, repeated hand washing can worsen an injury. The nails must be short and clean, without nail paint...
Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps

