Putting alcohol-based hand sanitizing on the frontlines of infection control

With Kathy Powers

“The use of alcohol-based hand rubs provides an effective, convenient way to promote hand hygiene”
-Kathy Powers

Why has hand sanitization become such an imperative in health management?
Kathy Powers. Two reasons - because we need it, and because it works. Statistically, the spread of infection is imperative enough. More than 880,000 Americans are diagnosed with MRSA (staph) infections each year, killing more people than HIV and AIDS - and millions more are at risk and don't realize it. Those are germs that can easily be prevented with consistent hand hygiene practices such as using soap and water when available, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

The H1N1 virus experience has also taught us how pervasive and potentially deadly the ramifications of poor hand hygiene can be.

Aside from the human element, the rise of litigation related to healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) is staggering. The changes in regulations, reimbursement practices and legal standards have combined to create a serious threat to healthcare facility finances.

But information about the efficacy of alcohol-based hand hygiene from the World Health Organization tells us that we already have successful tools to stave off infection. We simply need to use them.

How did you come up with the idea for Pure-Go®?
KP. My husband Jeff travels frequently and conducts business internationally. He recognized the need to develop a discreet, convenient and uncomplicated way to cleanse hands. Something to augment traditional hand washing, not replace it.

We worked diligently on the design, intellectual property, and market research. We ultimately patented the Pure-Go®, a unique yet simple tool that everyone can use.

There are several products on the market that dispense hand sanitizer. Is it that 'simplicity' that differentiates the Pure-Go®?
KP. Both the simplicity and convenience, yes. There are indeed many products out there, and we encourage the use of any alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water isn't available. The Pure-Go® allows people to sanitize their hands anytime, anywhere. Worn on the wrist, like a watch, Pure-Go® is a refillable silicone device that can be filled with any alcohol-based hand sanitizer solution. Unlike other devices that involve pockets, belts, or other cumbersome tethers that can inhibit use, the Pure-Go® is the only one that is truly hands-free.

That's key for health management entities. As we discussed earlier, hand hygiene protocols are becoming more prevalent in the face of HAIs, but compliance remains a big issue. With the Pure-Go®, healthcare workers have a constant, physical reminder right at their fingertips.

So hospitals can protect not only their patients and personnel, but also their bottom line?

KP. Absolutely. Professor Didier Pittet, Director of the Infection Control Programme at Geneva's University Hospitals has noted that, "Hand hygiene remains the primary measure to reduce healthcare-associated infection and the spread of antimicrobial resistance." He's right, but the current protocols do have some holes.

So the use of alcohol-based hand rubs provides an effective, convenient way to promote hand hygiene in a healthcare setting. Alcohol-based hand rubs take less time to use than traditional hand washing, and are far more convenient. In an eight-hour shift, it's estimated that a full hour of an ICU nurse's time will be saved by using an alcohol-based hand rub.

Similar barriers exist for the general public. Nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone. Workplace absenteeism is a huge expense globally, with one estimate citing the cost to the American economy $200 billion. Compliance with improved hand hygiene protocols will go a long way toward getting those productivity hours back.

Looking ahead, how do you see hand hygiene evolving?
KP. It's clear that this is an area of health maintenance and prevention that will continue to gain momentum. The rise of HAIs is just one reason. Increased accessibility to global travel is another. Demographics will also play a part, as people in most parts of the world are living longer. By 2040, the global population is projected to have 1.3 billion older people-accounting for 14 percent of the total.

We believe alcohol-based hand rubs will be the standard not just for today, but for the future. And we hope the Pure-Go® can play a key part in how society eliminates the spread of germs and infection.

Kathy Powers graduated from Western Michigan University in 1984. Jeff Powers graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1984. Kathy and Jeff maintain Purgo Creations as a family-owned and operated business, incorporated in 2004. They oversee an advisory board with global reach and expertise in epidemiology, health policy, disaster preparedness, marketing and product distribution.

For more information please visit www.cleanhandsnow.com.