Bed-rail dispensers of alcohol-based hand rub antiseptic (AHRA) were first initiated only in department A (period I), followed by department B (period II). Opportunities for hand hygiene (OHH) were recorded during periods I, II, and III (post-trial follow-up). Only application of AHRA before and after contacting each patient was considered as appropriate. Comparative evaluation between periods I and II, as well as II and III, was performed