GP PRO Unveils Hand Hygiene Insights for International Infection Prevention Week

GP PRO, a division of Georgia-Pacific known for its leadership in innovative dispensing and smart monitoring technologies, has unveiled the findings of its latest hand hygiene study in honor of International Infection Prevention Week—an initiative created by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

The research, titled “Understanding the Hands that Care for Others,” surveyed 100 nurses working in both acute and long-term care facilities. The study revealed that while 92% of respondents believe proper hand hygiene is essential, over half admitted it can be difficult to maintain consistent hygiene during hectic shifts. Common challenges include emergency situations, empty or malfunctioning soap or sanitizer dispensers, and discomfort or pain caused by skin irritation.

“As a 2025 APIC Visionary Partner, GP PRO is honored to support nurses and infection preventionists during International Infection Prevention Week,” said Ashley Butler, Vice President and General Manager of Skin Care, Tissue, and Wiper at GP PRO. “These findings deepen our understanding of the challenges healthcare workers face and guide us as we continue developing intuitive, touch-free dispensers and skin-friendly hygiene products that combat germs while nourishing the skin.”
 
Hand Hygiene Habits and Challenges
Organizations such as APIC, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) continue to stress that effective hand hygiene is among the most critical measures for preventing infection in healthcare environments. However, frequent washing and sanitizing can take a toll on skin health. Only 14% of surveyed nurses reported having “normal” skin without issues, while 76% experienced dryness. Others cited conditions such as chapped (39%), sensitive (29%), cracked (26%), red (20%), uncomfortable (20%), or painful (11%) hands.

“We have tremendous respect for nurses who may sanitize or wash their hands up to 100 times in a 12-hour shift,” said Dr. Mary Glesner, Director of R&D at Georgia-Pacific’s Neenah Technical Center.

“Our formulations are designed with their needs in mind—featuring gentle foaming soaps for daily use, moisturizing sanitizers for frequent application, and antimicrobial options that effectively eliminate germs while soothing the skin.”
 
The Critical Role of Hand Drying
Nearly all participants (99%) agreed that thoroughly drying hands after washing is vital for maintaining effective hygiene. A majority (59%) also believe hands are not completely clean unless they are fully dried. Incomplete drying can promote germ transfer and make it harder to don gloves quickly.

Paper towel quality also proved important—73% of respondents noted that thicker towels dry hands faster, and 63% said softer paper towels are preferred because they are gentler on dry or irritated skin.
 
GP PRO’s Ongoing Commitment to Innovation
GP PRO continues to pioneer hygiene solutions that prioritize both protection and comfort. Its enMotion® hand sanitizer, tested by dermatologists, contains aloe, vitamin B5, and a blend of six botanical moisturizers. The formula is clinically shown to increase skin hydration within two days while eliminating 99.99% of common germs.

Touchless dispensing systems—such as enMotion and Pacific Blue Ultra towel and soap dispensers—help reduce cross-contamination by limiting touchpoints. Additionally, the KOLO Smart Monitoring System leverages real-time data to ensure dispensers remain stocked, streamlining coordination between infection prevention and environmental services teams.
 
Additional Resources