Study Shows Improvement in Hand
Hygiene
When Using an Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel
Although a study released by the University of Nebraska Medical Center
found a doubling in the rate of hand hygiene compliance associated with
the use of hand gel, the study also revealed there are additional factors
that influence the development of hospital-acquired infections.
A press release issued by the University of Nebraska Medical Center quoted
Mark Rupp, M.D., professor of infectious diseases, UNMC and medical director,
Department of Healthcare Epidemiology at UNMC, as saying, "There
are many factors that influence the development of hospital-acquired infections.
It would be naïve to think that a single, simple intervention would
fix this problem."
According to the conclusion of the study, the introduction of alcohol-based
gel resulted in a significant and sustained improvement in the rate of
hand hygiene adherence. Fingernail length greater than 2 mm, wearing rings,
and lack of access to hand gel were associated with increased microbial
carriage on the hands. This improvement in the hand hygiene adherence
rate was not associated with detectable changes in the incidence of healthcare-associated
infection.1
The press release noted that the Nebraska Medical Center set guidelines
for its health care employees when it comes to fingernails and rings.
Artificial nails are banned, nails should be kept short, and rings kept
to a minimum.
For a full copy of the release from the University of Nebraska Medical
Center, click
here.
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