title: Infection control. Hygienic hand decontamination.
abstract: Hygienic hand decontamination is the single most important technique available to nurses in preventing the spread of infection. The evaluation of hand decontamination is now recognised as a complex task that involves frequency, choice of agent, appropriate timing, duration and quality of technique. This article analyses each of the components of hygienic hand decontamination, and concludes that more research is necessary before evaluation of this vital nursing activity can be undertaken with confidence.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gould
mesh_terms: D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003666:Decontamination; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006801:Humans; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000592:standards*