NERS NEWS—Surabaya, July 10, 2026 Group 2 of the Professional Nursing (Ners) Students from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, conducted a Hospital Health Promotion (PKRS) program entitled CERIA (Prevent Infection, Practice Regular Hand Hygiene): Building Hand Hygiene Habits Among Patients to Prevent Disease Transmission on Friday (July 10, 2026), starting at 8:00 a.m. WIB in the Jatayu Ward of RSD Prof. Dr. Moeljono. The program was aimed at all patients receiving treatment in the Jatayu Ward as part of an effort to promote clean and healthy living behaviors while preventing the spread of infections within the hospital environment.
The program was organized in response to the continuing risk of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), particularly among patients with mental health disorders who often experience difficulties in maintaining proper personal hygiene habits. Based on observations conducted on June 29, 2026, several patients were found not to wash their hands at critical moments, such as before meals, after using the toilet, or after daily activities. In addition, many patients had not yet mastered the correct six-step handwashing technique.
The educational session began with an opening ceremony and an introduction of the organizing team, followed by an interactive lecture. The topics covered included the definition of hand hygiene, the causes and transmission of germs through contaminated hands, the benefits of maintaining hand hygiene, the key moments for handwashing, the differences between using soap and hand sanitizer, and the recommended six-step handwashing technique.
Following the educational session, the nursing students demonstrated the proper six-step handwashing procedure. Patients were then invited to practice the technique themselves under the guidance of the facilitators. The organizing team provided direct assistance and constructive feedback whenever incorrect handwashing steps were observed, ensuring that every participant understood and was able to perform the technique correctly.
The educational program was conducted in an interactive and enthusiastic atmosphere. Patients actively participated throughout the session by answering questions, engaging in discussions, and taking part in the evaluation activities. Through a simple and communicative approach, participants demonstrated a better understanding of the importance of maintaining proper hand hygiene as one of the most effective measures to prevent disease transmission during hospitalization.
Through the CERIA Hospital Health Promotion program, it is expected that patients will not only understand the concept of hand hygiene but also develop the habit of practicing proper handwashing independently throughout their hospital stay and in their daily lives after discharge. In addition to benefiting patients, the program supports the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) initiatives, enhances the safety of both patients and healthcare workers, and provides an opportunity for professional nursing students to strengthen their competencies in health education and therapeutic communication.
The program concluded with an appreciation session for participants who actively engaged in the educational activities, followed by a group photo involving the patients, healthcare professionals, and Group 2 of the Professional Nursing (Ners) Students from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga.
Author: Faiz Wildan Anshory
Editor: Nasya Puspita (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
