Essential hand hygiene practices for the healthcare sector

Hand hygiene is an indispensable component of infection prevention and control in the healthcare sector. In Australia, maintaining rigorous hand hygiene standards is critical to safeguarding patients, healthcare workers, and the wider community from the spread of infections. Here, we delve into the essential hand hygiene practices that every healthcare facility should adopt.

Why Hand Hygiene Matters

In healthcare settings, hands are the primary mode of transmission for pathogens. Effective hand hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which can lead to serious complications for patients and increased healthcare costs. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), up to 70% of HAIs can be prevented through proper hand hygiene.

Hand Hygiene Australia: The Standards

In Australia, the National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI) provides comprehensive guidelines for hand hygiene in healthcare settings. These guidelines align with the WHO's "Five Moments for Hand Hygiene," which are critical times when healthcare workers should perform hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infections. These moments include:

1. Before touching a patient
2. Before a clean or aseptic procedure
3. After body fluid exposure risk
4. After touching a patient
5. After touching patient surroundings

Best Practices for Hand Hygiene

1. Use of Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs

Alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) are the preferred method for hand hygiene in most clinical situations. They are effective at reducing the number of viable pathogens on the hands and are less damaging to the skin compared to soap and water. ABHR should contain between 60-80% alcohol to ensure efficacy.

2. Hand Washing with Soap and Water

Hand washing with soap and water is essential when hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with blood or other body fluids. The correct technique involves wetting hands, applying soap, lathering for at least 20 seconds, rinsing, and drying with a clean towel or air dryer.

3. Proper Hand Drying

Wet hands can transfer pathogens more easily than dry hands. Therefore, thorough drying is an essential part of the hand hygiene process. Paper towels are generally recommended in healthcare settings due to their single-use nature, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

4. Use of Gloves

While gloves are an important barrier protection, they are not a substitute for hand hygiene. Healthcare workers should perform hand hygiene before donning gloves and after removing them to ensure any potential contamination is addressed.

Implementing Hand Hygiene Practices

1. Education and Training

Ongoing education and training for healthcare workers on the importance of hand hygiene and the correct techniques are vital. This includes regular competency assessments and feedback to ensure compliance.

2. Hand Hygiene Audits

Regular hand hygiene audits help identify areas for improvement and ensure adherence to guidelines. These audits involve observing healthcare workers and providing immediate feedback.

3. Accessibility of Hand Hygiene Products

Ensuring that ABHR dispensers and hand washing facilities are readily accessible throughout the healthcare facility is crucial. Strategic placement in high-traffic areas and near patient care zones can encourage regular use.

4. Patient and Visitor Engagement

Educating patients and visitors about hand hygiene and encouraging them to use ABHR dispensers upon entering and leaving healthcare facilities can further enhance infection control measures.

Hand hygiene is a simple yet profoundly effective measure in preventing the spread of infections within healthcare settings. Adhering to the guidelines provided by Hand Hygiene Australia and the WHO can create a safer environment for both patients and healthcare workers. By prioritising hand hygiene through education, proper technique, and accessibility, we can collectively work towards reducing healthcare-associated infections and promoting a culture of safety in the healthcare sector.

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