Table II.

Kampf's six ‘golden rules’ for hand washing (abridged)⁵⁰

1. Select an alcohol-based hand-cleaning solution that has good skin tolerance.

2. Hand rubs should be easily available. Wall dispensers near the patient may help.

3. Implement teaching and promotion of hand hygiene.

4. Create a hospital budget which covers all costs involved with preventable nosocomial infections. Even a small number of nosocomial infections prevented will outweigh the cost of effective hand hygiene products.

5. Encourage senior staff to set a good example to motivate junior staff.

6. Have adequate staff:patient ratios.