Description
This paper describes an observational study of hand washing that was performed in a Swiss University hospital, well supplied with sinks, paper hand towels, unmedicated soap and a disinfectant hand-rub in high risk areas. Bottles of alcohol-chlorhexidine hand rub were available in every ward. The researchers looked at 48 wards (and covered 964 of 1382 beds) recording 2834 opportunities for performance of hand washing throughout the day and night for 14 days. Compliance was defined as hand washing according to their guidelines listed in an Appendix (with or without soap!) or the use of the alcohol disinfectant hand-rub regardless of glove use. They observed nurses, nursing assistants, physicians and other groups.
