Average consumption of water running through five different types of faucets

Abstract:

ObjectiveTo investigate the consumption of water running through five different kinds of faucets(foottouching, foot pedal, elbowtouching, induction, and handtouching faucet) in clinical departments, and provide basis for rational use of faucets.MethodsOne hundred health care workers(HCWs) were selected randomly and divided into 5 groups (20 /group), different types of faucets were used for sixstep handwashing, water consumption and purchase price of each type of faucet were calculated, hand hygiene compliance rate among HCWs’ was investigated and the pros and cons of all types of faucets were compared.ResultsOf 5 types of faucets, average consumption of water through foottouching faucet was the least (［932.50±319.24］mL), compared with the other four types of faucets, the difference was statistically significant（P＜0.05）. Purchase price of handtouching faucet was the lowest, but water consumption was the most(［2 258.50±363.93］mL), and can easily cause secondary pollution; purchase price of induction and foot pedal faucet was more expensive(606.70, 289.30 CNY per faucet, respectively); elbowtouching faucet was not convenient to use. After handtouching faucets were replaced by foottouching faucets, hand hygiene compliance rate of HCWs increased from 33.33% to 60.00%(P<0.05).ConclusionFoottouching faucet saves costs and water, and is convenient to use, it is better than the other four types of faucets, and is worth to be popularized in clinical application.