Could a 3-Step hand wash beat the standard 6-Step?
NCT ID NCT04187040
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compares a quick 3-step hand hygiene technique to the standard 6-step method recommended by the World Health Organization. Researchers want to see if the simpler method leads to better compliance among healthcare workers and still keeps hands clean. The trial will involve 40 healthcare workers in hospital wards across multiple countries.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If the 3-step technique works as well or better, it could simplify hand hygiene protocols and potentially reduce healthcare-associated infections.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 40 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The simpler technique might not clean hands as effectively.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 40 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Dec 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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Children (under 18), adults (18 to 64) and older adults (65 and over)
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Health Care Workers (HCW) working at the randomized wards during the pre-defined timeframe Exclusion Criteria: Individuals, who are no HCWs
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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