November 29, 2001
Hand washing: The fine points
Dr. Elaine Larson, a research scientist who holds a joint professorship in nursing and public health at Columbia University, will discuss her nationally recognized research on hand washing and infection control as part of the School of Nursing’s series of seminars on Elements of a Research Proposal.
Larson’s work has been an important force behind the increased attention to hand washing as an infection control factor in health care settings.
The seminar, “When Is Clean Too Clean? Microbiologic and Behavioral Aspects of Hand Washing,” will be held from 1 to 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7, in room T-661 in the Health Sciences Building. It is co-sponsored by the new Infectious Disease and Infection Training Program and the Office of Nursing Research in the School of Nursing.
Larson first became interested in hand washing while working as a nurse in a critical care unit. “I observed how infrequently staff actually washed their hands compared to how often it was recommended and wondered if it really made any difference. I have spent the last few decades trying to answer that and related questions,” she explains.
Recently honored with a named lectureship in infection control by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Larson has published hundreds of articles and book chapters and has been editor of the American Journal of Infection Control since 1994. She received both her B.S.N. and M.N. degrees from the UW School of Nursing, and her Ph.D. in epidemiology from the UW School of Public Health and Community Medicine.
Larson’s presentation will include a description of her current NIH-funded work, which is the first clinical trial to compare alcohol degerming with traditional soap and water use. Refreshments will follow the free public seminar. For further information, contact Jennifer Bond at 206-616-5120.
