Hand hygiene training: innovating HAI prevention for future healthcare professionals

Background

Hand hygiene is one of the most effective strategies for preventing healthcare-associated infections. Although a simple procedure, its correct execution requires competence, awareness, and attention. Training healthcare students is fundamental to promote safe and lasting behaviors in clinical practice.

Objectives

This study evaluated an educational intervention conducted at the University of Salerno on 149 Nursing students (94 females, 55 males; mean age 22.8 years). The assessment was performed using the Semmelweis Scanner, a device utilizing UV imaging and artificial intelligence to detect skin surfaces covered by fluorescent gel, simulating alcohol-based hand rubs. The intervention was structured over two days. On day 1, participants underwent an unguided initial assessment, followed by training focused on observed errors. One week later, students were re-evaluated. Four areas per participant were analyzed (palm and dorsum of both hands), providing 596 pre-intervention and 596 post-intervention assessments. Trials were classified as "Passed" with a ≥ 95% covered surface cut-off.

Results

Overall mean coverage increased from 95.04% (SD = 12.33) to 98.19% (SD = 8.59). "Passed" tests increased from 472/596 (79.19%) to 540/596 (90.60%). Area-specific analysis showed that, post-training, coverage in all areas exceeded the cut-off with statistical significance (p < 0.001): - Left palm: 97.31% (SD = 10.60%) → 99.15% (SD = 8.56%). - Right palm: 97.96% (SD = 9.72%) → 99.47% (SD = 8.23%). - Left dorsum: 92.92% (SD = 16.03%) → 97.09% (SD = 10.19%). - Right dorsum: 91.97% (SD = 17.06%) → 97.05% (SD = 10.09%).

Conclusions

This training tool proved highly effective, enabling students to visualize inadequately treated areas in real-time and improve their technique. These results demonstrate that integrating interactive digital tools in education enhances learning and promotes the adoption of effective hand hygiene practices, a key element in HAI prevention.

Key messages

• Integrating interactive digital tools into pre-clinical training fosters effective hygiene practices. This innovative educational approach is crucial for preventing healthcare infections.

• AI-driven UV scanners provide real-time visual feedback, significantly improving nursing students’ hand hygiene techniques and correcting errors on neglected areas like the hand dorsum.