Background Hand hygiene is a critical component of infection control. Much of the focus on improving hand hygiene in healthcare settings has been directed towards healthcare worker compliance but its importance for patients, including those in long-term care facilities (LTCFs), is increasingly being recognised. Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) can lead to improved compliance. We aimed to determine acceptability and tolerability of two ABHRs for hand hygiene of elderly LTCF residents using a modified version of the WHO protocol. Methods Thirty six elderly LTCF residents participated in this crossover study. A modified and translated (Chinese) version of the WHO protocol for evaluation of two or more ABHRs was used to determine product acceptability and tolerability for one gel (bottle with reclosable cap) and one foam (pump). During the 3-day testing period, participants were provided with their own portable bottle of ABHR. A research nurse objectively assessed the skin integrity of the hands at baseline and throughout the study. Skin moisture content was determined using a Scalar Moisture Checker Probe (Science Technology Resources, Ca, USA). Participants rated ABHR tolerability and acceptability using the WHO checklist at the end of each test period. Results Both products passed the WHO criteria for acceptability and tolerability. The foam (86%) scored higher than the gel (51%) for ease of use possibly because some participants found the cap of the gel bottle difficult to open due to finger stiffness. No evidence of damage to skin integrity was observed. Overall, skin moisture content had improved by the end of the study. Residents preferred either of the test products to the liquid formulation currently in use by the LTCF. Conclusions Overall, the elderly were willing to use ABHR for hand hygiene. Both products were well tolerated and preferred over the usual product provided by the LTCF. However, forgetfulness and difficulty rubbing the product over the hands due to finger stiffness posed a challenge for some residents. This could be overcome by using healthcare worker-assisted hand hygiene at specified times each day and prompts to serve as reminders to perform hand hygiene.

中文翻译：

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老年人长期护理中酒精类手卫生产品的可接受性和耐受性：一项交叉研究。

背景技术手卫生是感染控制的重要组成部分。在医疗机构中改善手部卫生的许多重点都集中在医护人员的依从性上，但是人们日益认识到它对患者（包括长期护理机构（LTCF）中的患者）的重要性。酒精基擦手液（ABHR）可以改善顺应性。我们旨在使用WHO协议的修订版，确定两个ABHRs对老年人LTCF居民手卫生的可接受性和耐受性。方法36名老年人LTCF居民参加了这项交叉研究。使用世卫组织规程的修改和翻译版本（中文）来评估两种或多种ABHR，以确定一种凝胶（带可重新密封盖的瓶子）和一种泡沫（泵）的产品可接受性和耐受性。在为期3天的测试期间，为参与者提供了自己的便携式ABHR瓶。一位研究护士在基线和整个研究过程中客观评估了手的皮肤完整性。使用Scalar Moisture Checker探针（美国加利福尼亚州科学技术资源）确定皮肤水分含量。在每个测试阶段结束时，参与者使用WHO清单对ABHR的耐受性和可接受性进行了评估。结果两种产品均通过了WHO的可接受性和耐受性标准。泡沫（86％）的易用性得分高于凝胶（51％），这可能是因为一些参与者发现由于手指僵硬而难以打开凝胶瓶的瓶盖。没有观察到损害皮肤完整性的证据。总体而言，到研究结束时，皮肤的水分含量有所改善。与LTCF当前使用的液体配方相比，居民更喜欢其中一种测试产品。结论总体而言，老年人愿意使用ABHR进行手部卫生。两种产品均具有良好的耐受性，并且优于LTCF提供的常规产品。但是，由于手指僵硬，健忘和难以在手上摩擦产品对某些居民构成了挑战。可以通过在每天的特定时间使用医护人员辅助的手部卫生来解决此问题，并提示您进行手部卫生提醒。由于手指僵硬，健忘和难以在手上摩擦产品对某些居民构成了挑战。可以通过在每天的特定时间使用医护人员辅助的手部卫生来解决此问题，并提示您进行手部卫生。健忘和由于手指僵硬而难以用手揉搓产品对某些居民构成了挑战。可以通过在每天的特定时间使用医护人员辅助的手部卫生来解决此问题，并提示您进行手部卫生。