World Hand Hygiene Day
Strategic placement of disinfectants
On the occasion of World Hand Hygiene Day on 5 May 2025, schülke would like to highlight the essential role of hygienic hand disinfection in preventing infections – but what factors support the reliable use of hand disinfectants at the point of care?
The availability of hand disinfectants at the point of care is essential for the compliant implementation of hand disinfection. Surveys show that dispensers are used more frequently when they are within direct view and ergonomically support the workflow.1 The WHO (World Health Organization) defines 'an arm's length' as the optimal distance for placement close to the activity.3 A sufficient number of strategically placed dispensers has been shown to increase usage frequency – particularly in larger facilities.2 The German Clean Hands Campaign therefore recommends at least one dispenser per patient bed.4
3 tips for optimal placement
1. Visible
Ensure that disinfectant dispensers are immediately visible in every room – visibility promotes consistent use.
2. Accessible
Position dispensers so they are easily accessible during all work processes – always within arm's length.
3. Reliable
Ensure that dispensers are reliably located where they are expected – routine builds safety.
Bonus tip: Flexible holders allow disinfectant dispensers to be precisely positioned along medical staff workflows – for example, next to beds, infusion stands, and other equipment.
Understand workflow paths,
improve hygiene
An observational study reveals that medical and nursing work processes differ – and so do the paths taken.1
A nurse typically moves from the door ➊ to the end of the bed ➋, then to the left side of the bed ➌, to the right side at the head of the bed ➍ and finally to the computer ➎.
A doctor, by contrast, usually moves from the door ➊ directly to the right side of the bed ➋, then to shelves or cupboards ➌ and finally to the computer ➍.
These different movement patterns call for the thoughtful placement of hand sanitiser dispensers. Particularly important: Hand sanitiser dispensers should always be within arm's length to ensure seamless integration into the respective workflow.
Are you familiar with the 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene?
Identify the five correct moments for hand disinfection and assign them appropriately. Drag the appropriate statements to the BEFORE or AFTER side – but be careful: not all options are part of the official 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene!
Congratulations, you have correctly assigned the 5 moments of hand disinfection as recommended by the WHO.
The "5 Moments for Hand Hygiene", developed by the WHO, have become an internationally recognised standard, clearly defining the key moments when hand disinfection is essential in clinical settings. This clear system is not merely theoretical knowledge but also a practical foundation for effective infection prevention in daily clinical practice.
In Germany, recent surveys report compliance rates of between 76% and 79% – a solid performance, yet it still means that roughly every fourth or fifth required hand disinfection is omitted.5
An important factor in improving this rate: the strategic placement of hand sanitiser dispensers precisely at the points where the 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene take place. If you have correctly identified all the moments, you will notice that the placement of dispensers along work routes is crucial to ensuring that all hand hygiene indications are followed, even during the hectic daily routine of the hospital.
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Schülke is pleased to support you with a range of engaging materials to help you implement World Hand Hygiene Day in your facility.
Would you like to optimise hand hygiene availability in your facility?
Contact your schülke Regional Sales Manager or Customer Sales Service today for printed materials and personalised advice on optimising hand hygiene compliance in your facility.
schülke hand hygiene
Everything within reach at the point of care
We at schülke support hand hygiene compliance not only through the broad efficacy and excellent skin compatibility of our hand disinfectants, but also through flexible solutions, such as the Point of Care Holder for placement in the immediate patient surroundings.
References
1 Boog, M. C., Erasmus, V., de Graaf, J. M., van Beeck, E. A., Melles, M., van Beeck, E. F. (2013). Assessing the optimal location for alcohol-based hand rub dispensers in a patient room in an intensive care unit. BMC Infectious Diseases,13, 510.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2334-13-510
2 Kuster, S., Roth, J. A., Frei, R., Meier, C. A.,
Dangel, M., Widmer, A. F. (2021). Handrub dispensers per acute care hospital
bed: a study to develop a new minimum standard. Antimicrobial Resistance &
Infection Control, 10(1), 93. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-021-00949-0
3 WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care: First Global Patient Safety Challenge Clean Care Is Safer Care. Geneva: World Health Organization (2009)
4 Positionspapier der Aktion Saubere Hände: „Händedesinfektionsmittelspender – noch näher an die Patientinnen und Patienten“ (2023)
5 HAND-KISS, https://www.nrz-hygiene.de/KISS-Modul/anleitungen/KISS/HAND
Use disinfectants safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
Schülke & Mayr GmbH, D-22840 Norderstedt, Tel. +49 40 52100-0, info@schuelke.com