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Related Concept Videos

Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of Equipment01:18

Handwashing 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.
Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps01:15

Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps

To wash hands properly, follow these steps:
Hand hygiene01:23

Hand 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...
Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps01:19

Handwashing 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...
Standard Precaution01:26

Standard Precaution

Standard precautions are the minimum infection control safeguards used while caring for all patients, irrespective of their disease condition. They help prevent the spread of common infectious microorganisms to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in all healthcare settings.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare 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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
09:02

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens

Published on: June 7, 2017

Handwashing adherence by visitors is poor: is there a simple solution?

Theodore A Willison-Parry1, Elizabeth A C Haidar, Luigi G Martini

  • 1School of Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, UK.

American Journal of Infection Control
|April 24, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Hospital visitor handwashing adherence was only 25%. An active intervention significantly improved hand hygiene, increasing adherence to 68% and 77% for long-term visitors, demonstrating effective infection control strategies.

Keywords:
ComplianceHand hygieneNosocomial infection

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Failure of Cleaning Verification in Pharmaceutical Industry Due to Uncleanliness of Stainless Steel Surface
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Failure of Cleaning Verification in Pharmaceutical Industry Due to Uncleanliness of Stainless Steel Surface

Published on: August 11, 2017

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 12, 2026

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
09:02

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens

Published on: June 7, 2017

Failure of Cleaning Verification in Pharmaceutical Industry Due to Uncleanliness of Stainless Steel Surface
07:00

Failure of Cleaning Verification in Pharmaceutical Industry Due to Uncleanliness of Stainless Steel Surface

Published on: August 11, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Healthcare-associated infections
  • Infection prevention and control
  • Public health

Background:

  • Poor handwashing adherence among hospital visitors is a significant concern.
  • Existing evidence indicates low compliance rates in clinical settings.
  • This study addresses the critical need for improved visitor hygiene practices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify handwashing adherence among hospital clinic visitors.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of an active intervention to improve hand hygiene.
  • To assess the impact of the intervention on adherence rates over time.

Main Methods:

  • An observational audit was conducted involving 180 hospital clinic visitors.
  • An active intervention strategy was implemented to encourage handwashing.
  • Adherence rates were measured before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

  • Initial handwashing adherence among visitors was found to be low at 25%.
  • The active intervention significantly increased handwashing adherence to 68%.
  • Long-term visitors showed even higher adherence rates of 77% (P < .0001).

Conclusions:

  • Active interventions are highly effective in improving visitor hand hygiene in hospital clinics.
  • Sustained improvements in handwashing adherence can be achieved with targeted strategies.
  • Enhancing visitor hand hygiene is a crucial component of infection control in healthcare settings.