HAND HYGIENE TRAINING
A ground-breaking UK-Danish study has revealed that nearly half of hospital toilet users are skipping handwashing – even in environments where hygiene is critical. Conducted over 19 weeks at Bispebjerg Hospital in Denmark, researchers from the University of Surrey used pipe sensors to monitor 2,636 toilet visits. Shockingly, 43.7% of users failed to wash their hands, with non-compliance peaking at 61.8% during certain weeks.
The study, titled FLUSH. WASH. PROTECT., highlights that handwashing lapses were most common at the start and end of the day, and around mealtimes – suggesting that fatigue and distraction may play a role. Researchers emphasised that despite the heightened awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic, hand hygiene is still not a consistent habit. Professor Carrie Newlands noted that traditional reminders like posters and hand gel stations are no longer enough, calling for “more effective behavioural strategies”.
At GlitterBug, we believe that hand hygiene training must go beyond passive reminders. Our UV-reactive lotion and powder kits offer hands-on, visual feedback that makes invisible contamination visible – helping users understand not just why handwashing matters, but how to do it properly.
Whether you’re training healthcare staff, students, or food handlers, GlitterBug tools reinforce technique, build lasting habits, and make hygiene education engaging and memorable.
