Methods: A quasi- experimental pretest posttest design was used to evaluate the affect of a newly developed hand sanitizer on hand hygiene compliance when introduced on inpatient and outpatient units of a south Florida hospital. HCWs were asked to use the hand sanitizer spray in place of or in addition to the products currently available on their units. Self report questionnaires were used to establish feasibility. Direct observation of was used to establish HCWs hand hygiene compliance. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with poor compliance to hand hygiene.

Results:  Product Feasibility remained positive through out the study intervals with overall satisfaction at 76% or better throughout the study. Consistently during the study, pre and post procedure hand hygiene compliance results demonstrated a significant difference (p< .001).  Compliance was significantly less pre procedure (34-57%) than post procedure (63-81%).

Conclusion: HCW positive perception of the hand held sanitizer spray was consistent through the research study.  Hand hygiene compliance diminished over time during the study with the lowest level at the end of the study.  The significant difference in pre and post procedure hand hygiene remained consistent.