Simplifying the WHO 'how to hand rub' technique: three steps are as effective as six-results from an experimental randomized crossover trial

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued guidelines on hand hygiene recommending a six-step 'how to hand rub' technique for applying alcohol-based hand rub. However, adherence to all six steps is poor. We assessed a simplified three-step technique and compared it to the conventional WHO six-step technique in terms of bacterial count reduction on healthcare workers' hands