Deconstructing the six-step hand rubbing technique for healthcare staff: a mixed-methods investigation of efficacy, acceptability and feasibility
Step 4 contributed most to bacterial load reduction, and steps 1 and 2 were key for hand coverage. HCWs should continue using the six-step technique, with efforts to improve compliance with individual steps. Future research should investigate the effects of altering step sequence and the contribution of individual steps during handwashing with soap and water.
Authors
- J. Reilly (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2946-6720)
- Kareena McAloney‐Kocaman (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4561-9619)
- Lucyna Gozdzielewska (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5769-1530)
- Gerard Lacey (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1923-6852)
- Val Ness
- Sue Lang
Institutions
- National University of Ireland, Maynooth (IE)
- Glasgow Caledonian University (GB)
- Leeds Beckett University (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Hospital Infection
- Published
- 2025-12-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2025.11.040
- Primary Topic
- Infection Control in Healthcare
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Infection Prevention Society