Use of World Health Organization Guidelines to Improve Hand Washing Efficacy

Hand washing continues to be the number one most effective way to prevent the spread of germs. This quality improvement project examines whether a hands-on soap and water hand washing tutorial increases the quality of hand washing technique.

The Glow Team developed and presented an evidence-based hands-on teaching tutorial demonstrating proper hand washing technique as recommended by the World Health Organization to 100 emergency department health care workers. The efficacy of the technique was evaluated by applying black light-sensitive lotion. Participants washed their hands before and after the education session. Participants completed a posttest to evaluate their gained knowledge of hand washing.

Hand washing efficacy improved from 60% preeducation to 82% posteducation. Each individual step noted improvement posteducation.

Of 100 participants, 98 reported this education was helpful and suggested yearly competencies, posted fliers, and repeated demonstrations to improve compliance among self and peers. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2020;51(10):453-456.].