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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
A novel educational programme to improve knowledge regarding health care-associated infection and hand hygiene
Maureen Fitzpatrick1, Ruth Everett-Thomas, Igal Nevo
1University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Hospital Center for Patient Safety, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Florida, USA. mfitzpatrick@med.miami.edu
Abstract:
Lack of hand hygiene by health-care workers is the most significant cause of health care-associated infection. This programme was designed to make health-care workers want to wash their hands, to change their knowledge regarding hand hygiene and health care-associated infection, and influence practice. Improvement between pre- and post-test scores was statistically significant. Compliance is a multifactorial problem that involves knowledge and behaviour. Educational awareness and frequent reminders are critical to maintain high rates of hand hygiene compliance.
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