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Updated: May 21, 2026

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
Hand hygiene opportunities in pediatric extended care facilities
Amanda Buet1, Bevin Cohen, Melissa Marine
1Columbia University, School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA. aeb2185@columbia.edu
Introduction:
Introduction: Children in extended care facilities (ECFs) are at risk of healthcare-associated infections, but little hand hygiene (HH) research has been conducted in this unique setting.
Methods:
Eight children across four pediatric ECFs were observed for a cumulative 128 hours, and all care giver HH opportunities were characterized by the World Health Organization's '5 Moments for HH'. Data were analyzed using Pearson's χ2 test.
Results:
Observers documented 865 HH opportunities. Overall HH adherence was 43% and was significantly higher among clinical care givers than among non-clinical care givers (61% and 14%, respectively, (p < .01).
Conclusions:
Hand hygiene adherence was low, suggesting multiple opportunities for transmission of infectious agents.
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