To investigate the role of patient room design on patient safety a replica of a patient room was constructed in which standardised examinations were performed by doctors. While only 11.5% of doctors performed hand disinfections prior to patient contact, when the hand rub dispenser was located near the door, 53.8% of doctors used a hand disinfectant, when the dispenser was clearly visible near the patient bed.
Patient safety begins with proper planning: a quantitative method to improve hospital design.
Positioning hand rub dispensers near patient beds in a clearly visible position increases hand hygiene compliance.