Hand hygiene assessment in the workplace using a UV lamp.

The aim of this study was to determine the quality of the hand hygiene (HH) technique of healthcare workers (HCW) in real conditions, without previous education or training. All 705 participants did the World Health Organization sequence for HH correctly, but only 9.5% actually achieved the highest rating (ie, all hand areas with hand rub distribution).

Evaluación de formación y destreza de la asepsia de manos empleando lámpara ultravioleta / Evaluation of education and skills in hand hygiene using ultraviolet light lamp

Objetivo principal: La higiene de manos (HM) es fundamental para una atención sanitaria limpia y segura. Los futuros profesionales de enfermería deben adquirir conocimientos tanto teóricos como prácticos en materia de HM. Metodología: Se evaluó la técnica de HM, registrando las regiones de las manos con/sin exposición a la solución alcohólica marcada con fluoresceína mediante una lámpara de luz ultravioleta. Resultados principales: Evaluamos 71 alumnos, 56,3 % de 2o curso y 43,7% de 3er curso de Enfermería. El 73,3% fueron mujeres. Realizaron la HM bien o muy bien el 45,1% de los alumnos. Las zonas donde con más frecuencia no se extendió la solución alcohólica fueron los pulgares (54,9%) y dorso (46,5%). No hubo diferencias significativas entre los dos cursos. Conclusión principal: El papel de la educación es fundamental para sentar las bases de buenas prácticas en HM, en conocimientos teóricos y en el desarrollo de habilidades y reforzamiento de buenas prácticas

Objective: Hand hygiene (HH) is essential for a clean and safe healthcare. The future nurses have to acquire both, theoretical and practical, knowledge, competencies and skills on HH. Methods: The HH technique was evaluated using an alcoholic solution incorporating fluorescent marker and ultraviolet lamp, and recording regions of the hands with / without exposure. Results: We evaluated 71 students, 56.3% in the 2nd year and 43.7% of 3rd year of Nursing School. The 73.3% were women. The HH was performed very good or good by 45.1% of students. The areas that alcoholic solution didn't reached most frequently were thumbs (54.9%) and dorsal part of hand (46.5%). No significant differences between courses were found. Conclusions: The role of education is essential to lay the foundation of good technique in HH, in theoretical knowledge and in the development of skills and reinforcement of good practices