Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 5, 2025

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
The impact of workload on hand hygiene compliance: Is 100% compliance achievable?
Nai-Chung N Chang1,2,3, Marin L Schweizer4,5, Heather Schacht Reisinger4,5
1Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa.
Abstract:
Hand hygiene compliance decreased significantly when opportunities exceeded 30 per hour. At higher workloads, the number of healthcare worker types involved and the proportion of hand hygiene opportunities for which physicians and other healthcare workers were responsible increased. Thus, care complexity and risk to patients may both increase with workload.
Related Concept Videos
Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps
Handwashing 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...
Handwashing 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....
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Obedience

