Handwashing Effectiveness in Schools
Authors: Jordan Denmead, Ryan Gallagher, and Jorge Quintero
Faculty Supervisors: Julianne Temple, MSN, APRN, CPNP, RN and Lydia Watkins, DNP, MSN, BSN
Community Partner: Sterling Elementary School
Abstract:
Our focus group was fourth and fifth graders in the after-school program at Sterling Elementary. In order to judge the effectiveness of this group's handwashing, we used a product called Glo-germ, which mimics the saturation of bacteria on the hands. A blacklight is used to highlight the “bacteria” remaining on the hands after washing the Glo-germ off with an anti-bacterial soap and warm water. The purpose of this activity was to evaluate elementary student's handwashing knowledge, handwashing technique
The school nurse at Sterling Elementary verified the date and time that would be best for the students and faculty for our interactive activity. She also provided us paper towels and antibacterial soap for the kids to use while washing their hands. The after-school program faculty supervised the children while we provided education to the students. We provided education and participated in the interactive handwashing activity with 35 Sterling Elementary fourth and fifth graders in the after-school program.
