Hand Washing and Staphylococcal Infections in Hospitals
Author Information
Author(s): Clive B. Beggs, Simon J. Shepherd, Kevin G. Kerr
Primary Institution: University of Bradford
Hypothesis
Does increasing hand washing frequency among healthcare workers reduce staphylococcal infections in hospital wards?
Conclusion
The study found that while hand hygiene is effective, increasing compliance beyond 40% yields minimal additional benefits in preventing staphylococcal infections.
Supporting Evidence
- The greatest benefits from hand hygiene occur with the first 20% of compliance.
- Compliance levels above 40% are generally sufficient to prevent outbreaks of staphylococcal infection.
- The relationship between hand cleansing efficacy and frequency is non-linear.
Takeaway
Washing hands is important to stop germs, but washing them a lot more doesn't help much after a certain point.
Methodology
A deterministic Ross-Macdonald model was used to simulate the transmission of staphylococcal infection based on hand washing frequency and efficacy.
Limitations
The model assumes transmission occurs solely via hands, not accounting for environmental contamination or other transmission routes.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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