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Impact of Hand Rub Placement on Patient Trust and Disease Stigma
Sponsor: Huashan Hospital
Summary
This study aims to investigate how the physical placement of hand sanitizer in consultation rooms affects patient trust and feelings of disease stigma. While hand hygiene is an essential infection control measure in healthcare, performing it immediately in front of patients with visible, non-communicable conditions (such as psoriasis) might inadvertently make patients feel rejected or stigmatized.This study uses a randomized controlled design to evaluate if a simple environmental modification-changing the spatial location of the hand sanitizer-can naturally nudge physicians to alter their hand hygiene timing without compromising safety. Researchers will discreetly observe the hand hygiene behavior of outpatient dermatologists and ask participating psoriasis patients to complete a brief, anonymous questionnaire regarding their trust in the physician, feelings of stigma, and overall satisfaction with the consultation. The goal is to provide evidence for patient-centered hospital space designs that protect patient psychological well-being while maintaining hygiene standards.
Official title: The Impact of Hand Rub Placement on Hand Hygiene Sequence, Patient Trust, and Disease Stigma: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
250
Start Date
2026-05-01
Completion Date
2026-06
Last Updated
2026-04-27
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Distant placement of hand rub
The alcohol-based hand rub dispenser is relocated to a distant position in the consultation room, greater than 1 meter (approx. 3.3 feet) away from the physician (e.g., on a sink). This environmental modification is designed to prompt physicians to perform hand hygiene after the patient departs ("invisible hand hygiene"), aiming to improve patient trust and reduce perceived disease-related stigma.
Conventional placement of hand rub
The alcohol-based hand rub dispenser is placed in the conventional, standard position in the consultation room, which is less than or equal to 0.3 meters (approx. 1 foot) away from the physician (e.g., to the left of the computer). This facilitates standard hand hygiene immediately after patient contact ("visible hand hygiene").