Hand Hygiene

Effective hand hygiene is the single most effective method of preventing the spread of infection.

Hand hygiene includes: -

• Hand washing with soap and water; After dealing with body fluids or after being in contact with patients with Clostridium Difficile or diarrhoea and vomiting
• Use of alcohol hand rubs and gels; When hands are free of dirt or organic material
• An approved wipe when the above is unavailable or inappropriate

Micro-organisms are commonly found on the skin and can be described as:

Resident flora Normal flora or ‘commensal organisms’, form part of the body’s, normal defence mechanisms, and protect the skin from invasion by more harmful micro-organisms. They rarely cause disease and are of minor significance in routine clinical situations.

Transient flora Those acquired by touch from the environment through contact with patients, equipment and patient furniture. They are located superficially on the skin, readily transmitted to the next thing being touched. They are responsible for the majority of healthcare associated infections but are easily removed by hand washing.

• Before commencing work/after leaving clinical area
• Before and after direct contact with patients or clients
• After touching patient’s or client’s surroundings
• Before and after wearing gloves
• Before performing aseptic procedures, e.g. catheterisation, wound dressings
• After risk of exposure to body fluids (and after aseptic procedures)
• Before and after handling invasive devices
• Before and after handling food
• After using the toilet
• After leaving patient or client’s environment e.g. domestic setting

Studies show that health care staff frequently use poor hand washing techniques and the most commonly neglected areas are the tips of the fingers, palm of the hand, and the thumb.

It is important that hand washing is carried out correctly to prevent the spread of infection.