Simplifying the World Health Organization (WHO) Protocol for Hand Hygiene: Three Steps and 15 Seconds

Simplifying Hand Hygiene Technique: Six Steps and 30 Seconds Versus Six Steps and 15 Seconds Versus Three Steps and 30 Seconds Versus Three Steps and 15 Seconds

This study is to investigate that non-inferiority in terms of reduction of bacterial counts will be retained when combining the simpler three-step technique for the use of hand rub with a shorter application time of 15 seconds.

The WHO guideline recommends 30 seconds for application of hand rub, however, mean bacterial reduction after 15 seconds of hand rubbing has been recently shown to be non-inferior and shortening application time to 15 seconds has been suggested to improve the frequency of hand hygiene actions in a neonatal care unit. This study is to investigate that non-inferiority in terms of reduction of bacterial counts will be retained when combining the simpler three-step technique for the use of hand rub with a shorter application time of 15 seconds.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Medical students are eligible for participation
• Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• No signed informed consent