An interactive tool to teach children proper handwashing techniques
Official title: Interactive Hand Hygiene Trainer for School-Age Children
Funded at Indelible Learning, INC. · NIH-10823124 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a fun digital tool to help kids learn the best ways to wash their hands, making it easier for them to remember how and when to do it right for better hygiene.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indelible Learning, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palos Verdes Estates, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $835,202 |
| NIH project number | 2R44GM144007-02A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10823124 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are in school settings and can benefit from improved hand hygiene education.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or those who do not have access to the interactive trainer may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research develops an interactive digital trainer designed to teach school-age children the proper techniques for effective handwashing. The trainer uses engaging visuals and feedback to show children how to clean their hands thoroughly, emphasizing the importance of scrubbing specific areas. By creating a fun and immersive learning experience, the program aims to help children remember when and how to wash their hands effectively, fostering long-term hygiene habits. The project builds on previous successes to enhance children's understanding and practice of hand hygiene.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the spread of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases among children by improving their handwashing habits.
How similar studies have gone: Previous initiatives aimed at improving hand hygiene through educational tools have shown positive outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Indelible Learning, INC.
Palos Verdes Estates, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Criley, Jasminka — Indelible Learning, INC.
- Study coordinator: Criley, Jasminka
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
A Fun Digital Tool to Help Children Wash Hands Better
This project is creating an engaging digital game called Bubble Beats to teach school-age children how to wash their hands effectively and consistently, helping to prevent common illnesses.
-
Interactive training for handwashing skills in students with disabilities
This study is working on a fun and interactive handwashing tool to help students with disabilities learn the best ways to wash their hands, making it easy for them to use on their phones or tablets while teachers can track their progress.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.