Cleanyourhands!

Increased procurement of soap and alcohol-based hand cleansers was associated with decreased rates of MRSA and C. difficile infections in England and Wales.

Infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Clostridium difficile can be acquired in the community or in healthcare settings. To decrease the spread of infectious agents by healthcare workers, thorough hand-cleaning has been emphasized. Compliance with this recommendation varies and is hard to measure.

In a recent study, researchers drew on monthly procurement data for alcohol hand rub and liquid soap to circumvent the difficulties in monitoring hand-washing. Using information from 187 National Health Service hospital trusts in England and Wales, they compared figures for January 2005 through June 2008 with those from late 2004 — before the start of the national Cleanyourhands campaign.

Soap procurement was independen…

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter