Assessment tool for surgical hand washing skills: a scale development study

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Şengör K., Alptekin H. M., Kara Ö., Görücü R., Ayoğlu T., Akyüz N.

BMC SURGERY, vol.2025, no.25, pp.1-10, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 2025 Issue: 25
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1186/s12893-025-03192-1
  • Journal Name: BMC SURGERY
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-10
  • Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
  • Kütahya Health Sciences University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Valid and reliable assessment tools are essential for evaluating surgical hand washing skills, which play a crucial role in preventing surgical site infections. This study aimed to develop and validate an objective assessment tool for evaluating surgical hand washing competency among nursing students. Design Methodological validation study. Methods This study was conducted between November and December 2023 at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa with 105 second-year nursing students enrolled in surgical nursing courses. Data were collected using a 13-item Assessment Tool for Surgical Hand Washing Skills (ATSHWS) and demographic questionnaire. Content validity was established through expert review, and reliability was assessed through inter-observer agreement and test-retest analysis. Findings Content validity was excellent (CVI: 0.976). Inter-observer reliability demonstrated strong agreement (ICC: 0.951, p<0.001), and test-retest reliability confirmed temporal stability. Conclusions The ATSHWS provides a valid and reliable method for objectively evaluating surgical hand washing skills among nursing students and may be useful for educational assessment and quality improvement initiatives. Keywords Surgical hand washing, Assessment tool, Nursing