Hand hygiene


The need for innovation in hand hygiene


Arjun Luthra argues that there is a need to innovate in the field of hand hygiene, as the tools available to combat healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) have remained unchanged for quite some time. Arjun calls for a shift in perspective to address the limitations of current approaches.


A fundamental shift in our approach to hand hygiene is required – the goal of innovation should be to address the limitations of the current infrastructure, practices, and hand hygiene culture in order to genuinely reduce HCAIs. To achieve this, we must look to proven technologies in the realm of medical devices, as well as pharmaceuticals, and apply that expertise to hand hygiene. While many traditional hand sanitisers


eliminate some germs, often they do not eradicate all. In addition, they tend to evaporate quickly, leaving hands vulnerable to re- contamination. Innovation in hand hygiene calls for “Contact-Kill Technology” that immediately neutralises pathogens upon contact. This approach ensures that harmful microbes are effectively eliminated the moment a person encounters them. Innovation in hand hygiene should also enable users to contribute to a cleaner and safer environment. ‘Kill-On-Touch’ technology


has been developed to empower individuals to disinfect surfaces they touch. This capability extends the impact of hand hygiene beyond personal protection, creating a collective effort to reduce the transmission of HCAIs. Imagine doorknobs, elevator buttons, and shared equipment automatically sanitised by the very hands that touch them. Such an innovation could significantly reduce the risk of infection in healthcare settings and beyond.


Continual residual protection: extending the safety net Traditional hand hygiene methods offer temporary protection, but the effectiveness of standard hand sanitisers diminishes once the alcohol evaporates. This can leave individuals vulnerable to contamination until their next opportunity for hand hygiene arises. To address this issue, “Continual Residual Protection” has been developed to provide an alternative approach. This technology creates a lasting


barrier against pathogens, providing individuals with ongoing protection even hours after application. By reducing the risk of cross- contamination and the transmission of HCAIs, the safety net of hand hygiene can be extended.


Skin health maintenance: balancing efficacy and comfort One of the key challenges in achieving high compliance rates in hand hygiene is the discomfort and inconvenience associated with some products. Frequent hand hygiene can take its toll on skin health, leading to dryness, irritation, and even dermatological conditions. In fact, a recent survey by the Royal College of Nursing has found that 51% of nurses experience skin problems such as itchiness, redness or irritation on the hands/wrists, of which nearly half (42%) reported they experience these symptoms all or nearly all the time.1


This results


in decreased compliance among healthcare professionals. To foster a culture of improved hand hygiene,


it is crucial to consider the well-being of those practising it. Innovative hand hygiene solutions should prioritise “skin health maintenance” as a core feature. These products not only effectively kill pathogens but also support skin health, even with frequent use. They should provide a pleasant experience, easy application, and seamless integration into daily routines. By prioritising comfort and skin integrity, healthcare professionals and individuals are more likely to adhere to stringent hand hygiene practices, reducing the risk of HCAIs. To address this issue, Primel recently underwent an accredited independent evaluation of its hand protection skin compatibility. The evaluation revealed that the solution has a long-lasting moisturising effect, making it suitable to use frequently for all individuals in healthcare facilities, even for sensitive skin types. The formulation was found


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