Conclusion: Hand Hygiene

Hand washing, also known as hand hygiene, is the act of cleaning one’s hands with soap and water to remove viruses/bacteria/microorganisms, dirt, grease, or other harmful and unwanted substances stuck to the hands. Drying of washed hands is part of the process as wet and moist hands are more easily recontaminated. Through this video you have learnt the skills, including its indications, and types of hand washing, which are essential for ensuring patient safety and effectiveness of care.

Indications

• Before touching a patient
• Before any clean or aseptic procedure
• After body fluid exposure risk
• After touching a patient
• After touching patient surrounding

Types of Hand Washing

• Social Hand Washing: for 60 seconds
• Medical Hand Washing: with soap and water 40-60 seconds
  • Medical hand rub with alcohol based hand rub 20-30 seconds
  • Surgical Hand Washing: with antimicrobial agent 5 minutes
• Surgical Hand rub with alcohol based hand rub 1.5 minutes

Key Points to Remember

• Artificial nails, gel nails or extenders are not to be worn by staff who have direct patient contact.
• Contaminated surfaces or objects should not be touched after performing hand hygiene.
• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes and nose.
• Fingernails should be kept short – no longer than ¼” or 0.635cm long.
• Include frequently missed areas when performing hand hygiene, such as thumbs, palms, web spaces, under nails and the backs of fingers and hands.
• Use supplied lotions that are compatible with hand hygiene products and gloves to minimize skin irritation that can occur with frequent hand hygiene.
• Wearing hand and wrist jewelry is not recommended.