In a recent revelation by GP PRO, a branch of Georgia-Pacific and notable innovator in advanced dispensing and monitoring technologies, insights outlining the vital role that hand hygiene plays in healthcare settings, especially during the International Infection Prevention Week, have been shared. The company, which holds recognition as a 2025 Visionary Partner of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), presented these findings via a survey labeled “Understanding the Hands that Care for Others.” The survey presented comprehensive accounts of hand hygiene experiences from a sample size of 100 nurses engaged in acute and long-term care, or practicing within skilled nursing facilities.
While a staggering 92% of respondents reinforced the necessity of proper hand hygiene, over half admitted that during busy shifts, certain circumstances such as emergencies or the unavailability of soap/sanitizer dispensers could lead to oversight in maintaining hand hygiene. Neglecting hand hygiene is concerning given its critical role in curbing the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Factors contributing to neglect ranged from unavailability of soap or sanitizers to skin irritation caused by frequent hand washing that made the process uncomfortable or painful.
The survey findings have been instrumental in fostering awareness within their organization and guiding the development of GP PRO’s offering of user-friendly, touchless dispensers alongside advanced soap and sanitizer formulations, which aim to reduce germs and keep the skin moisturized.
Majors health organizations globally, including APIC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO), have consistently emphasized the enormous value of hand hygiene practices as an effective deterrent against the spread of infections in healthcare environments. However, these practices can inadvertently compromise the health of the skin. Among the surveyed participants, only 14% characterized the skin on their hands as ‘normal with no issues,’ while over three quarters (76%) substantiated dryness as a prevalent skin condition, among other skin-related problems such as sensitivity, discomfort, or redness.
To alleviate these concerns, GP PRO has pushed the boundaries by creating unique, dermatologist-tested hand sanitizer formulations that incorporate essential ingredients like aloe and vitamin B5 for skincare. GP PRO also launched the KOLO® Smart Monitoring System to facilitate a data-driven approach for ensuring that dispensers are consistently stocked and ready for use, encouraging coordination among Infection Preventionists and environmental services teams overlooking facility maintenance.
Georgia-Pacific hails from Atlanta and operates as one of the world’s premier manufacturers and marketers in the realm of paper-based products, intertwined with a broad range of facilities across North America.