Almost one in two of people that use a hospital toilet do not wash their hands, according to new research from the University of Surrey.
The 19-week study, in partnership with Bispebjerg hospital in Denmark, put sensors on toilet and sink pipes to monitor hygiene behaviours.
From 2,636 flushes, it revealed 43.7% (1,153 flushes) of people using a hospital toilet skipped handwashing, with figures peaking at 61.8% on certain weeks.
Despite assumptions that handwashing may be “second nature” after Covid-19, Dr Pablo Pereira Doel from the University of Surrey said this behaviour could “directly affect patient safety”.
The study noted that handwashing figures were especially down at the start and end of each day, including typical mealtimes.
Prof Benjamin Gardner, from the University of Surrey, said: “Strategies that raise awareness at the crucial point in a bathroom visit and easily understood messaging about how to wash effectively – like singing Happy Birthday twice over – can help people form handwashing habits that last.”
Guidance from NHS England says handwashing is one of the easiest ways of preventing food poisoning and other illnesses, such as the flu, especially in hospital settings.
“These findings are worrying but not surprising,” Prof Carrie Newlands from the University of Surrey said.
Prof Newlands wants visual reinforcements, such as posters and hand-gel stations, to be replaced by “more effective behavioural strategies”.
