Laboratory personnel looking into a microscope

Hygiene research and studies​

On this page you will find our publications of studies in the area of hygiene and cleaning or closely related.
  • Hygiene and Health Report
    This report is the latest edition in a series of bi-annual global surveys that Essity has been publishing since 2008 with the aim to raise awareness about the pivotal role hygiene, sanitation, and health play for well-being, for individuals and communities. These global insights also aim to address taboo’s and barriers that still exist around several hygiene topics. We offer new insights by combining research findings, statistical evidence, successful cases and testimonies from people whose voices are rarely heard. We also highlight solutions and actions that we find critical for improving hygiene and health standards across the globe and for every part of life’s course. 

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  • Hygiene concerns regarding SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19, Novel Coronavirus) and considerations when using public restrooms and restaurants - White Paper
    Paper hand towels are the preferred choice by many restroom users, but how do we know they are the most hygienic choice? Our Tork hygiene experts have looked at the science, compared the data and published a white paper. The answer is clear - paper hand towels are better at preventing the spread of viruses and bacteria.   ​

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  • Modelling the annual NHS costs and outcomes attributable to healthcare associated infections in England​
    What are the cost and consequences of Healthcare Associated Infections to the healthcare system in a modern western society (in this case England)? This study uses a mathematical model to estimate theses cost and arrive at some very significant numbers: 2,7bGBP, 28.500 deaths, 830.000 infections per year. In addition, the study estimates that almost 1 in every 5 hospital beds are at any given time occupied by a patient infected within the healthcare system.​

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  • Modelling the costs and consequences of reducing healthcare-associated infections by improving hand hygiene in an average hospital in England​
    What are the potential consequences of improving hand hygiene compliance by a hand hygiene monitoring system? This study uses a mathematical model to estimate the potential consequences of improving hand hygiene, e.g. by introducing a hand hygiene monitoring system. The study suggest that the system has a high likelihood of being cost-effective – or even generate a financial profit - as well as significantly reducing the number of infections and deaths caused by HAI.​

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  • Electronic hand hygiene monitoring: accuracy, impact on the Hawthorne effect and efficiency​
    How accurate is the Tork Hand Hygiene Compliance Monitoring System (“Tork EMS”)? This study from a well-known hospital in central London, UK, has implemented the Tork EMS in one ward and evaluated its accuracy and effectiveness. The conclusion is that the system is “highly accurate” and that it is “likely to measure ‘real world’ numbers” as opposed to manual observation which is presently regarded as the gold standard.

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  • University Hospital to use breakthrough technology to improve hand hygiene and tackle Healthcare Acquired Intections​
    Can the hand hygiene compliance be increased through the use of the Tork EMS? This testimonial give evidence that one ward in a Swedish regional teaching hospital more than doubled the compliance rate after introducing the Tork EMS​

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