The effect of posters and displays on the use of alcohol gel

Introduction: Hand cleansing with alcohol gel is important in reducing health care associated infection (HCAI). HCAI affects 8% of acute hospital admissions in the UK costing the NHS an estimated ®1 billion per annum1. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of posters and placement of alcohol dispensers on use of alcohol dispensers by staff and visitors passing through hospital foyers. Method: We noted the use of alcohol gel for hand cleansing in pedestrians entering through the hospital foyers. Three scenarios were noted: ■ Display 1. Poster and gel dispenser in the centre of the foyer. ■ Display 2. Poster and gel dispenser on the wall of the foyer. ■ Display 3. No poster with a gel dispenser on the wall of the foyer. Results: For display 1 uptake of alcohol gel was 38.4%, for display 2 it was 8.6% and for display 3 it was 2.7%. There was a significant increase in uptake of alcohol hand cleansing when a display was used (p > 0.001). Regarding gender, males were better users of alcohol hand gel overall. Employment group: the highest use was amongst female visitors with display 1 (51.6%). Displays had least influence on male doctors (44% with display 1, 10% with display 3). Conclusion: We recommend the use of prominently placed posters and gel dispensers in hospital foyers.