Correcting common hand hygiene mistakes: Ensuring safer healthcare for all

In healthcare, proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective methods to prevent the spread of infections and protect both patients and healthcare professionals. Yet, even with clear guidelines, common hand hygiene mistakes still occur in medical settings across Australia, impacting patient outcomes and putting healthcare workers at risk. As we strive to build a safer healthcare environment, it’s crucial to address these mistakes and reinforce best practices in hand hygiene Australia-wide.

Why Hand Hygiene is Critical in Healthcare

The hands of healthcare workers come into contact with countless surfaces, tools, and people every day, which can inadvertently lead to the spread of harmful pathogens. Proper hand hygiene, which includes thorough handwashing and the use of hand sanitisers, prevents these pathogens from transferring from person to person. This seemingly simple practice is essential for reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), which remain a significant issue in healthcare facilities.

Despite awareness and training, mistakes in hand hygiene practices are not uncommon. By identifying and addressing these errors, we can make meaningful strides towards a safer healthcare system.

1. Skipping Hand Hygiene Before and After Patient Contact

One of the most frequent hand hygiene mistakes occurs when healthcare workers skip cleaning their hands before and after coming into contact with a patient. The World Health Organization (WHO) has outlined “5 Moments for Hand Hygiene” in healthcare settings, which serve as crucial reminders for when to perform hand hygiene:

• Before touching a patient
• Before a clean/aseptic procedure
• After body fluid exposure risk
• After touching a patient
• After touching patient surroundings

Skipping these essential moments increases the risk of transmitting infections not only between patients but also to the healthcare workers themselves.

Correction Tip: Ensuring access to handwashing stations and sanitisers in key locations around healthcare settings can make it easier to comply with these steps. Continuous training can also reinforce the importance of hand hygiene before and after patient interactions.

2. Relying Solely on Hand Sanitisers

Hand sanitiser is a convenient and effective way to reduce the number of germs on the hands when soap and water aren’t available. However, some healthcare workers may rely on it exclusively, even in situations where soap and water are necessary. Hand sanitiser is ineffective against certain pathogens, such as Clostridium difficile (C. diff) spores, which require thorough washing with soap and water to be effectively removed.

Correction Tip: Ensure that healthcare staff know when to use soap and water instead of hand sanitiser. For example, after handling bodily fluids or visiting patient rooms with known infections, handwashing should be the priority. In these instances, clear signage in patient areas can remind workers to choose soap and water over sanitiser.

3. Insufficient Hand Washing Time

When hands are washed too quickly, pathogens may remain on the skin. The recommended time for effective handwashing is at least 20 seconds, covering all areas of the hands, including the backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails. Yet, busy healthcare schedules often lead to rushed hand hygiene practices.

Correction Tip: Encourage healthcare workers to follow the 20-second rule and implement reminders in bathrooms and handwashing stations. Many facilities use posters showing proper handwashing technique to encourage compliance. Additionally, regular audits can help reinforce this practice, reminding staff that thorough handwashing is a small step with significant impact.

4. Neglecting the Use of Moisturising Creams

Frequent hand washing and the use of alcohol-based sanitisers can dry out the skin, potentially causing cracks and irritation. Damaged skin not only becomes a source of discomfort for healthcare workers but also provides a breeding ground for bacteria, reducing the effectiveness of hand hygiene practices.

Correction Tip: Healthcare facilities should provide fragrance-free, alcohol-based sanitisers that are gentle on the skin and have moisturising agents. Regular use of hand creams can help maintain skin health, and staff should be encouraged to apply moisturiser after handwashing sessions.

5. Overlooking Hand Hygiene Before Glove Use

Gloves are essential for infection control in healthcare settings, yet many healthcare workers make the mistake of neglecting hand hygiene before putting them on. The hands should be cleaned both before and after glove use, as gloves are not a substitute for proper hand hygiene. Failure to clean hands before wearing gloves can transfer pathogens to the gloves, reducing their protective benefits.

Correction Tip: Training sessions should reinforce the necessity of hand hygiene before and after wearing gloves. Reminders posted near glove stations can further ensure that this crucial step is not overlooked.

6. Touching Surfaces and Objects After Handwashing

Hand hygiene doesn’t end the moment hands are washed. The clean hands of healthcare workers can quickly become re-contaminated by touching surfaces, equipment, or personal items before attending to a patient. These surfaces often carry bacteria and other pathogens that can compromise patient safety if transferred.

Correction Tip: Staff should avoid touching surfaces or objects unnecessarily after washing their hands. Facilities can support this by keeping high-touch items, like pens and phones, separate from patient areas and frequently cleaning shared surfaces in healthcare settings.

7. Inadequate Training and Education

Even with access to hand hygiene facilities, healthcare workers may struggle with proper technique if they haven’t received adequate training. Education is crucial, especially for new staff and students who are not yet accustomed to high-pressure healthcare environments.

Correction Tip: Regular training sessions, workshops, and real-time feedback on hand hygiene practices can improve adherence. Visual aids and demonstrations on correct handwashing techniques can also reinforce learning and correct any common misconceptions.

Making Hand Hygiene a Priority in Australian Healthcare

Ensuring proper hand hygiene practices in healthcare is a team effort. It involves everyone from frontline healthcare workers to facility management and administrative teams who can champion and prioritise hygiene standards. Ongoing education, improved accessibility to hand hygiene supplies, and fostering a culture that emphasises the importance of infection control can make a meaningful difference in Australian healthcare facilities.

For healthcare institutions, embracing best practices and making necessary changes can lead to better outcomes for all involved. From reducing infection rates to protecting the health of workers, prioritising hand hygiene is a simple yet highly effective approach that aligns with our commitment to a safer, healthier Australia.

By addressing these common hand hygiene mistakes and encouraging consistent compliance, healthcare facilities can make a significant impact on patient safety and infection control. Let’s work together to build a safer healthcare environment through correct hand hygiene practices – for the health of every Australian.