Introduction of the Webinar and Speakers
We are pleased to announce the success of our recent webinar, “Hand Hygiene Inside the Science,” which attracted an impressive 1000 registrants. The webinar focused on the vital aspect of infection control. It highlighted the importance of proper hand hygiene practices, particularly the role of hand drying in preventing the spread of infections.
The webinar featured two renowned global experts in the field of medical microbiology and virology. Professor Mark Wilcox, National Clinical Director for Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Prevention and Control for NHS England and Professor of Medical Microbiology at the University of Leeds, shared insights from over 15 years of research on hand drying. His dedication to advancing the field of hand hygiene has been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of proper hand-drying techniques.
Additionally, the webinar included a presentation by Professor Mark Van Ranst, MD, PhD, Professor in Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, who provided valuable insights into the historical significance of hand hygiene and its evolution over time. Both speakers highlighted the critical role of hand hygiene in combating the spread of infections within healthcare settings.
Importance of Drying Hands Using Tissues
One key takeaway from the webinar was the importance of using tissues to dry hands. Tissues offer a hygienic and effective way to remove moisture from hands, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and promoting overall hand hygiene. By emphasizing the use of tissues for hand drying, individuals can further enhance their infection control practices and contribute to a healthier environment.
The webinar covered a range of studies about hand hygiene and the spread of bacteria and viruses. They looked at how many bacteria are typically on our hands, how microbes move through the air when we dry our hands using different methods, and even how different hand-drying techniques affect the cleanliness of hospital washrooms.
In the latest study, Professor Wilcox discussed something really important: how viruses might spread when we dry our hands. Researchers measured the viruses captured on the face masks worn by volunteers to check if viruses get into the air while we are drying our hands, especially with those high-speed jet air dryers. This information is important for understanding how diseases might spread in places like hospitals and public places.
The research findings further indicated that paper towels were the most effective in drying hands and reducing bacterial numbers, highlighting their superiority in promoting hygiene.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the webinar presentation highlights the vital role of hand hygiene in infection prevention and control, emphasizing evidence-based practices and the importance of choosing effective hand-drying methods. Drying hands using tissues, such as paper towels, stands out as a practical and efficient approach to reducing the spread of infectious diseases, underscoring the significance of implementing robust hygiene protocols in healthcare settings and beyond.
The recording of the webinar is available for download, allowing viewers to access valuable information and insights shared by the expert speakers.