British researchers – in a 19-week study in partnership with Bispebjerg Hospital in Denmark – have found that almost one of every two people using a hospital toilet don’t wash their hands, reports the BBC.
The University of Surrey’s Dr Pablo Pereira Doel said they had put sensors on toilet and sink pipes to monitor hygiene behaviour.
From 2 636 flushes, it revealed 43.7% (1 153 flushes) of people using a hospital toilet skipped handwashing, with figures peaking at 61.8% on certain weeks.
Despite assumptions that handwashing may be “second nature” after Covid-19, Doel added, this behaviour could directly affect patient safety.
The study noted that handwashing figures were especially down at the start and end of each day, including typical mealtimes.
Professor Benjamin Gardner, also from the University of Surrey, said: “Strategies that raise awareness at the crucial point in a bathroom visit and easily understood messaging about how to wash effectively – like singing Happy Birthday twice over – can help people form handwashing habits that last.”
“These findings are worrying but not surprising,” said colleague Professor Carrie Newlands, who called for visual reinforcements, like posters and hand-gel stations, to be replaced by “more effective behavioural strategies”.
BBC article – Nearly half of hospital loo users do not wash hands (Open access)
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