Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026
A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
[Readability and comprehension of guidelines for hand hygiene: a comparison between WHO (2009) and CDC (2002)
Insights
Updating clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) requires clear highlighting of changes. Comparing the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centres for Disease Control (CDC) hand hygiene guidelines reveals terminology differences that can cause confusion.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare guidelines
- Infectious disease control
- Public health policy
Background:
- Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) require regular updates to remain valid.
- The process of updating CPGs must be explicit, with changes clearly indicated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the 2009 World Health Organization (WHO) and 2002 Centres for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on hand hygiene.
- To identify discrepancies and modifications between these two major guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of two prominent hand hygiene guidelines.
- Examination of terminology, evidence base retrieval, and clarity of modifications.
Main Results:
- The WHO and CDC guidelines exhibit comparable content but differ in terminology for hand hygiene, potentially causing confusion.
- Handwashing definitions vary: CDC includes plain soap, while WHO includes antimicrobial soap.
- Lack of a glossary and challenges in accessing the evidence base complicate guideline interpretation.
Conclusions:
- Careful consideration is needed before implementing updated guidelines.
- Guidelines should be easily accessible, with modifications clearly highlighted in updated versions.
Introduction:
Updating clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) is a crucial process for maintaining the validity of recommendations. However, the updating process should be explicit and changes made highlighted in the updated text.
Aim:
To confront and compare two CPGs on hand hygiene (World Health Organization, WHO, 2009 and Centres for Disease Control, CDC 2002), to identify discrepancies and changes made.
Results:
Although mostly comparable, CDC and WHO guidelines use a different terminology on hand hygiene which could be onfounding: in the former handwashing includes the use of plain soap in the latter also the use of an antimicrobial soap. The lack of a glossary may render tricky the interpretation. Some problems in retrieving the evidence base of a recommendation are highlighted.
Conclusions:
Great attention should be paid before implementing an updated guideline. The need of essential and easy to consult guidelines, where in the updated version the news and modifications are highlighted are stressed.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
01:18Handwashing 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....
01:15Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:19Handwashing 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...
01:26Standard Precaution
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...