Assessing user acceptance towards automated and conventional sink use for hand decontamination using the technology acceptance model

Carolyn H Dawson,Jamie B Mackrill,Rebecca Cain

doi:10.1080/00140139.2017.1316018

Carolyn H Dawson, Jamie B Mackrill + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2017.1316018

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Abstract

Hand hygiene (HH) prevents harmful contaminants spreading in settings including domestic, health care and food handling. Strategies to improve HH range from behavioural techniques through to automated sinks that ensure hand surface cleaning. This study aimed to assess user experience and acceptance towards a new automated sink, compared to a normal sink. An adapted version of the technology acceptance model (TAM) assessed each mode of handwashing. A within-subjects design enabled N = 46 participants to evaluate both sinks. Perceived Ease of Use and Satisfaction of Use were significantly lower for the automated sink, compared to the conventional sink (p < 0.005). Across the remaining TAM factors, there was no significant difference. Participants suggested design features including jet strength, water temperature and device affordance may improve HH technology. We provide recommendations for future HH technology development to contribute a positive user experience, relevant to technology developers, ergonomists and those involved in HH across all sectors.Practitioner Summary: The need to facilitate timely, effective hand hygiene to prevent illness has led to a rise in automated handwashing systems across different contexts. User acceptance is a key factor in system uptake. This paper applies the technology acceptance model as a means to explore and optimise the design of such systems.

Highlights

Hand hygiene (HH) covers the practice of washing hands with soap and water and the use of decontaminating agents such as alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR), including gels, wipes and foams
Whilst we found no significant difference between participants’ perceptions of perceived usefulness and satisfaction of use, our findings suggest that perceived ease of use and confidence of use may be critical factors to overcome if implementation of automated methods for handwashing
Independent laboratory studies published by Meritech (Meritech 2014) indicate that the latest automated sink is effective in removing harmful contamination from hand surfaces, including E-Coli, Feline Calicivirus and Serratia Marcescens. This is similar to the efficacy claimed by private trials conducted by the manufacturer of the Hand hygiene unit (HHU) prototype used for the present study (Campden BRI 2012). Such information is promising for the future of hand decontamination; the current study has indicated that the adoption of such technologies may be negatively affected by user experience

Summary

Introduction

Hand hygiene (HH) covers the practice of washing hands with soap and water (handwashing) and the use of decontaminating agents such as alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR), including gels, wipes and foams. Such practice is essential to ensure safety within multiple contexts, including domestic, food handling and health care (Curtis and Cairncross, 2003; Strohbehn et al 2008; WHO 2009). Established as a high priority within health and food settings, the aim of encouraging HH is receiving increasing focus within educational settings, developing countries and public facilities Gloves may be needed, though appropriate use is critical (Girou et al 2004)

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