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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
09:02
A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
Reliability and validity of hand hygiene measures.
Linda Harrington1, Kim Lesh, Lynda Doell
1Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, USA. Linda.Harrington@gmail.com
Summary
Accurate measurement of hand hygiene is crucial for healthcare infection control. However, current research indicates a need for more reliable and valid methods to measure hand hygiene compliance.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare-associated infections
- Infection control
- Public health
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) pose a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Hand hygiene is the primary strategy to prevent the spread of MDROs.
- Effective infection control requires accurate assessment of hand hygiene practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze existing literature on hand hygiene measurement methods.
- To identify gaps in research regarding reliable and valid hand hygiene measures.
- To emphasize the importance of accurate measurement for improving compliance.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of publications from 1990 to 2006.
- Analysis of studies focusing on the measurement of hand hygiene.
- Evaluation of the reliability and validity of identified measurement approaches.
Main Results:
- The review identified various methods for measuring hand hygiene.
- Significant limitations were found in the reliability and validity of existing measures.
- A clear need for further research to develop robust measurement tools was identified.
Conclusions:
- Current methods for measuring hand hygiene in healthcare are insufficient.
- Developing reliable and valid measures is essential for effective infection control.
- Further research is imperative to enhance hand hygiene compliance and combat MDROs.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hand hygiene
Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
Hand washing...
01:18Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of Equipment
Handwashing is hand hygiene with plain or antimicrobial soap and water to physically remove dirt, organic material, and microorganisms. However, it may not kill all microorganisms. The handwashing procedure requires a hand wash basin, liquid soap, paper towels, a domestic waste bin, and disposable nail cleaner as optional 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.
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.
01:15Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps
To wash hands properly, follow these steps:
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:19Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps
The pre-procedure steps of handwashing include removing jewelry and rolling up sleeves. However, many organizations allow staff to wear wedding rings.
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...
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...
01:29Reliability and Validity
Reliability and validity are two important considerations that must be made with any type of data collection. Reliability refers to the ability to consistently produce a given result. In the context of psychological research, this would mean that any instruments or tools used to collect data do so in consistent, reproducible ways.