title: Hand inspection cabinets as an aid to washing technique.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study aimed to discover if self-assessment of handwashing techniques would help staff to improve practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Tayside Health Board Primary Care Division, Royal Dundee Liff Hospital, Dundee.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bissett
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Craig
mesh_terms: D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D006225:Hand; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D014789:Visitors to Patients; D014838:Volunteers