Phase 1 was followed by a 2-week rest period,
during which all nurses used the standard soap-and-water regimen (nonmedicated soap, except when caring for the few patients on Contact Precautions) and were allowed to use hand lotion or cream.
During phase 2, which lasted 2 weeks, nurses who were initially in the soap group switched to the alcoholic–hand-gel group, and vice versa.
Both groups also were asked to refrain from using hand creams or lotions during phase 2.