Proper hand hygiene is considered the single most important method for preventing cross-contamination and reducing healthcare-associated infections. Research shows that hand hygiene dispensers have a significant impact on compliance rates*, and the key to success is making sure they are correctly placed. In fact, studies show that optimizing dispenser placement can increase usage by more than 50%.**

 

To help you boost hand hygiene compliance in your healthcare facility, we have created an evidence-based guide for optimal dispenser placement.  The visualizations suggest dispenser placements that support hand hygiene compliance with the important WHO 5 Moments in mind. The information in the placement guide is based on both Essity-sponsored research and independent findings from academic research.  The guide is built around three common types of areas commonly found in healthcare facilities:

*Boog, Matthijs C., Vicki Erasmus, Jitske M De Graaf, Elise (A) He Van Beeck, Marijke Melles, and Ed F Van Beeck. Assessing the Optimal Location for Alcohol-based Hand Rub Dispensers in a Patient Room in an Intensive Care Unit. BMC Infect Dis BMC Infectious Diseases 13.1 (2013): 510.

**Thomas BW, Berg-Copas GM, Vasquez DG, Jackson BL, Wetta-Hall R. Conspicuous vs Customary Location of Hand Hygiene Agent Dispensers on Alcohol-Based Hand Hygiene Product Usage in an Intensive Care Unit. J Am Osteopath Assoc 2009;109(5):263-267.