DesiCoach® method

DesiCoach® is a visual Validation and training method for optimizing hand disinfection. The method serves to eliminate application errors with regard to Dosage amount, Rubbing-in technique and to make the order of wetting objectively visible.

The purpose of the practical training with DesiCoach® is to develop individual application skills as well as the Hand hygiene compliance to strengthen in accordance with the requirements of infection control.

Visualization

The method is characterized by the fact that it involves wetting the hands underneath normal lighting conditions This makes it visible, for example, in daylight or normal room lighting. Unlike UV-based fluorescence methods, no UV lamps, darkened rooms, or UV boxes are required.

Through the color contrast Gaps in coverage become visible as gaps between stained and unstained skin areas. This applies to larger areas such as the backs of the hands and thumbs, as well as to fine skin structures such as skin creases, nail folds, and fingertips, if these areas were not adequately covered with liquid.

The Color intensity This provides information on whether the dosage used in training was sufficient for the individual hand size to keep both hands moist for the application time, which is usually 30 seconds.

Methodology and Functioning

Methodologically, DesiCoach® is based on a two-phase training principle with two coordinated training fluids:

Phase 1 – Status Check (staining solution): This solution consists of over 70% ethanol (%) and behaves like a normal hand sanitizer. The alcohol evaporates when rubbed in. Only then does the color become visible due to special minerals. This allows for assessment of the dosage and verification of any gaps in coverage.

Phase 2 – Technique optimization (decolorizing solution): The lipid-based solution is precisely formulated to work with the staining solution. Upon contact with the staining solution, it causes an immediate color change and then removes the stain from the treated areas. This allows for precise visualization of how individual movements distribute the fluid, contributing to the targeted improvement of individual movement patterns.

The innovative color technology supports the assessment of the dosage amount, the analysis of wetting gaps and the targeted improvement of individual movement patterns.

Training steps

The training process is divided into four steps:

1. Dosing and rubbing in the dye with time-delayed feedback: The dye solution is dispensed into the palm of the hand and rubbed in as usual. To obtain realistic feedback on the current quality of hand disinfection, the solution remains transparent during the rubbing time and only stains the skin after drying (approximately 30 seconds).
2. Test of dosage amount and wetting: After drying, the results are evaluated. Unstained areas show gaps in wetting. The color intensity serves as an indicator of the applied dosage and is compared to a color scale: A strong coloration confirms a sufficient dosage for the individual hand size, while a pale coloration indicates an underdose.
3. Dosing and rubbing in the stain remover with immediate feedback: The bleaching solution is then applied. Because the bleaching occurs immediately upon skin contact, the effect of each individual step is visible in real time. This allows for direct analysis and correction of the application technique.
4. Examination of Wetting and order: Remaining color residue after bleaching indicates which areas were not wetted at all or were wetted too late. This helps optimize the application technique and the individual sequence of steps to ensure that critical hotspots (especially fingertips and nail folds) receive high levels of treatment. Germ density Preferably, treat with sufficient liquid.

Repetition: The training can be repeated several times in succession if necessary. Before each application, hands should be washed under running water to ensure optimal coverage of the dye solution.

Diploma: After the training session, any remaining residue can be washed off under running water or removed with conventional hand sanitizer.

Learning objectives of the training

The training addresses the three critical success variables hygienic hand disinfection:

• Individual dosage amount: Developing a sense for the individually correct amount to keep the skin surface moist for the recommended application time.
• Complete wetting: Practice of an effective rubbing technique to ensure complete coverage of all skin areas, including frequently forgotten areas.
• Strategic prioritization: Optimization of the process to ensure that areas with the highest germ density (fingertips and nail folds with up to 60,000 CFU/cm²) are wetted with maximum liquid supply right from the start.

Further learning objectives:

• Avoiding dripping: Development of a rubbing technique, especially directly after dosing, which enables the entire dosed liquid to be rubbed in without loss.

Product specifications

The DesiCoach® formula contains over 70% ethanol to ensure high comparability with clinical hand sanitizers. The visualization is based on a natural, white mineral. The mineral's high opacity ensures clear visibility with high contrast on both light and dark skin tones. The formulation is vegan and fragrance-free.

DesiCoach® is a pure training product without biocidal efficacy.

Product variants

DesiCoach® is currently available in two application-specific variants:

• DesiCoach® 4Groups: The training set is specifically designed for group training sessions and is offered in a collection box. Thanks to the specific properties of DesiCoach®, it enables parallel training for all participants.
• DesiCoach® 2Go: The training courses are packaged as individual sets and can be completed independently using interactive online instructions. This enables effective training and automatic evaluations for any number of participants without requiring in-person attendance.

History and development

DesiCoach® was developed by Heyfair GmbH (Jena) and launched in 2018 under the brand name SteriCoach® introduced. In 2021, it was renamed to DesiCoach®.

Originally based on a red dye, the formula was changed to a white color in 2025. The new product has a longer shelf life, is stable without refrigeration, odorless, and offers high contrast on all skin tones.

Differences to UV-based training methods

1. Evaluation under normal lighting conditions:
   DesiCoach® requires no UV lamps, darkened rooms, or UV boxes. The coating becomes visible in daylight or normal room lighting. The opaque white mineral color creates high contrast on various skin tones.
2. Two-phase training with control and optimization function:
   While UV-based methods typically check the achieved wetting after application, DesiCoach® supplements this control with a second training phase. The decolorizing solution makes it immediately visible how individual movements distribute the liquid. This allows for training in dosage, complete wetting, application technique, and the sequence of wetting.
3. Parallel training without UV box:
   Since the evaluation is not tied to a UV box or a station with UV light, several participants can train simultaneously. This reduces the time required for group training sessions and allows for a joint discussion of typical error patterns.
4. Direct repeatability of the training:
   The DesiCoach® formula, based on alcohol, water, lipids, and pigments, allows for easy removal from the skin. After washing hands, the training process can be repeated immediately if needed. This allows any application errors to be corrected directly by repeating the training session.

Further information

www.heyfair.de
https://www.heyfair.de/training/