Tork reinforces commitment to hand hygiene with virtual reality training for healthcare professionals

For the tenth consecutive year, Tork, an Essity brand specializing in professional hygiene, participated in the World Hand Hygiene Day, an initiative promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2025, the brand stood out by using virtual reality to emphasize the importance of proper hand hygiene in healthcare environments.

This effort is part of the global campaign “It’s Always Hand Hygiene”, which highlights the need for hand hygiene to remain a consistent habit among healthcare workers. According to Thomas Bergin, Marketing Director for the Healthcare division of Essity Professional Hygiene, most professionals acknowledge there is room for improvement in their hygiene routines. “Proper hand hygiene is a leading measure for infection prevention in healthcare facilities”, he stated.

To support this mission, Tork is offering free access to the Tork VR Clean Hands Training and Education program. The immersive training simulates a realistic hospital environment, allowing medical staff to practice the WHO’s five moments for hand hygiene in daily scenarios. Available in multiple languages, the program has been praised for its interactive approach and high engagement.

Research shows that immersive learning can lead to a 90% retention rate, compared to just 10% for reading-based methods. Bergin also highlights the added benefit to patient perception: “Recognizing the significance of hand hygiene not only improves safety but also enhances patient confidence”. Around 80% of patients report feeling more secure when hygiene signage and infrastructure are visible at healthcare facilities.

In addition to the virtual reality training, Tork provides customizable awareness signage, dispenser placement guidelines, and a variety of educational materials and hygiene solutions to help create safer environments.