An automatic monitoring system for measuring handwashing frequency in hospital wards

A handwash monitoring system is described which enables accurate measurements to be taken of the frequency of handwashing by nursing and medical staff during the course of their duties. Preliminary studies have demonstrated it can record handwashing frequency with 93 per cent accuracy and, during preliminary ward trials, the measured handwashing frequency was 5-10 washes per nurse per shift. This was far less than the nurses' claimed handwashing frequency.