Dr. Seema Rawat, Clinical Director TerraMD Rishikesh. Demonstration

Hand Hygiene: The Foundation of Infection Control

Hand hygiene is one of the most critical practices in healthcare, essential for preventing the spread of infections and ensuring patient safety. Whether you’re dealing with routine patient care, handling equipment, or moving between tasks, effective hand hygiene is the first line of defense against the transmission of harmful pathogens.

Why Hand Hygiene is Important:

Hands are the primary way infections are transmitted in healthcare settings. Pathogens can easily be transferred from surfaces, equipment, or other people to your hands, and then to patients or yourself if proper hygiene is not maintained. Regular and proper hand hygiene reduces the risk of spreading infections, including bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, to patients, colleagues, and yourself.

When to Perform Hand Hygiene:

• Before and after patient contact: Always clean your hands before touching a patient and after completing care.

• Before performing aseptic tasks: Wash your hands before handling invasive devices, dressing wounds, or administering medications.

• After exposure to bodily fluids: Clean your hands immediately after contact with blood, bodily fluids, excretions, or wound dressings, even if gloves were worn.

• After touching patient surroundings: Wash your hands after touching any objects or surfaces near the patient, such as bed rails, medical equipment, or clothing.

• Before and after wearing gloves: Clean your hands before donning gloves and immediately after removing them.

Proper Hand Hygiene Techniques:

1. Handwashing with Soap and Water:

• Wet your hands with clean, running water.

• Apply soap and lather all surfaces of your hands, including the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to hum “Happy Birthday” twice).

• Rinse your hands thoroughly under clean, running water.

• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dryer. Use the towel to turn off the faucet if necessary.

2. Hand Sanitizer with Alcohol:

• Apply enough alcohol-based hand sanitizer to cover all surfaces of your hands.

• Rub your hands together, covering all areas, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

• Continue rubbing until your hands are dry, which should take about 20 seconds.

Key Points to Remember:

• Hand hygiene should be performed frequently, even if your hands do not appear visibly dirty.

• Soap and water are preferred when hands are visibly soiled or after caring for patients with known or suspected infectious diarrhea.

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective for most situations and should be readily available throughout the healthcare facility.

Conclusion:

Hand hygiene is not just a routine task; it is a critical practice that protects you, your colleagues, and your patients. By consistently performing proper hand hygiene, you play a vital role in infection prevention and contribute to a safer healthcare environment.