Evidence-based recommendations for hand hygiene for health care workers in New Zealand.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review is to establish evidence-based recommendations for hand hygiene for health care workers in New Zealand.


METHODS
Using a systematic approach to literature searching, relevant studies were retrieved and evaluated using a standardised tool. The 23 studies that met the inclusion criteria were categorised into subgroups depending on the type of comparison: hand hygiene product; skin condition; hand drying method. A 'best-evidence synthesis' was utilised for classifying the evidence.


RESULTS
Included studies provided evidence to support the use of alcohol-based hand rub as the preferred hand hygiene product. There was conflicting evidence for the use of medicated or plain soap, or any particular method to dry hands.


CONCLUSIONS
Hand hygiene is a crucial component of risk management for both health care workers and their patients. It is important that hand hygiene practice is based on the best current evidence. As a result of a systematic review, evidence-based recommendations for hand hygiene for health care workers are proposed.
Larmer
Peter J
PJ
School of Physiotherapy, AUT University Private Bag 92006 Auckland 1020, New Zealand. peter.larmer@aut.ac.nz
Tillson
Trish M
TM
Scown
Faye M
FM
Grant
Philippa M
PM
Exton
Jamie
J
D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D009520:New Zealand; D012915:Soaps / Q000145:classification*
D012915:Soaps