Hand inspection cabinets as an aid to washing technique.

Aim: The study aimed to discover if self-assessment of handwashing techniques would help staff to improve practice.

Method: A rolling programme of self-assessment of handwashing technique was carried out over a period of three months using hand inspection cabinets (glow-and-tell boxes). A simple questionnaire was then used to establish opinions on the glow-and-tell box as an aid to self-assessment in handwashing technique.

Results: In total 2,009 staff of all disciplines self-assessed their handwashing skills. The questionnaires identified that self-assessment had increased awareness of handwashing techniques and of the need to introduce regular handcare into regimes.

Conclusion: This programme allowed a large number of staff to be reached in a short time. It also raised self-awareness of handwashing techniques and allowed changes to practice where required. The glow-and-tell boxes also highlighted areas where skin was dry or damaged thereby encouraging good handcare among staff.