2011 Volume 26 Issue 1 Pages 1-7
A workshop and training in appropriate hand hygiene using fluorescent dye were held for the hospital pharmacists affiliated with the Niigata Society of Hospital Pharmacists. Afterwards, a survey was conducted. After the workshop, the pharmacists applied fluorescent cream to both hands and performed the scrub method with soap under running water. Then, the remaining fluorescent areas were sketched under black light to assess the effectiveness of the scrub method. After cleaning of these fluorescent areas, fluorescent lotion was rubbed on both hands in a manner similar to rubbing in antiseptic hand rub. The remaining fluorescent areas were then sketched to assess the effectiveness of the rubbing method. The areas that were missed by the scrub method were rather larger compared to the areas that were missed by the rubbing method. About 60% of the hand was left untouched by the scrub method, mostly on the back of the fingertips. About 10% of the palm, about 20% of the thumbs, and some wrinkles of the fingers were untouched by the rubbing method. The untouched parts in the scrub method and rubbing method showed considerable differences. In the questionnaire, most pharmacists recognized the insufficiency of their previous hand hygiene. This was the first workshop, including training, and indicated that the awareness about appropriate hand hygiene was improved. It is important to continue to training in appropriate hand hygiene and to hold workshops in infection control and prevention for clinical pharmacists.
