Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
Video Surveillance Audit of Hand-washing Practices in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Rutvi Shah1, Dipen V Patel, Kushal Shah
1Department of Pediatrics, Pramukhswami Medical College; and #Central Research Services, Charutar Arogya Mandal; Karamsad, Anand, Gujarat, India. Correspondence to: Prof Somashekhar Nimbalkar, Department of Pediatrics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Anand, Gujarat 388 325, India. somu_somu@yahoo.com.
Objective:
To audit hand-washing practices by video-surveillance.
Methods:
Six main steps (step 2 to step 7) of World Health Organizations hand hygiene technique with soap and water were used for evaluation. Handwashing was categorized as excellent, acceptable and unacceptable.
Results:
Of 1081 recordings, 403 (37.3%) were excellent, 521 (48.2%) were acceptable and 157 (14.5%) were unacceptable handwash. Unacceptable handwashing was more prevalent in the night in comparison to daytime (17.5% vs 12.5%). Thirteen people washed their face after washing their hands.
Conclusions:
Innovative interventions are required to improve handwashing during night shifts.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:15Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps
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...
01:18Handwashing 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....
01:26Standard 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...