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Evaluation of a Handwashing Intervention to Reduce Respiratory Illness Rates in Senior Day-Care Centers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Ann R. Falsey ,
Mary M. Criddle ,
John E. Kolassa ,
Robert M. McCann ,
Christine A. Brower  and
William J. Hall
Ann R. Falsey*
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
Mary M. Criddle
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
John E. Kolassa
Affiliation:
Department of Biostatistics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
Robert M. McCann
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
Christine A. Brower
Affiliation:
Department of Biostatistics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
William J. Hall
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
*
Department of Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, 1425 Portland Ave, Rochester, NY 14621
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Abstract

To decrease respiratory infections in senior day care, staff were educated on viral transmission and the value of hand washing. Fanny packs with alcohol foam supplemented hand washing and were alternated monthly between centers. Infection rates were unchanged with alcohol foam use. The intervention year's infection rate was significantly lower than the previous 3 years, suggesting a benefit of education.

Type
Concise Communications
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 20 , Issue 3 , March 1999 , pp. 200 - 202
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1999

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