Monday, October 18, 2010

Clean Touch Protects Patients

                                                  Clean Touch Protects Patients
Hand washing is the simple, single, and the most effective way to break the chain of spreading infection (Werner, R, 2007). The concept of hand hygiene is not new. The importance of hand washing has been identified since the 19th century 9 (Case, 2009). However, until today, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Center of Disease Prevention (CDC) and the health care agencies continue to educate the public and the health care professionals on the importance of hand hygiene.
Read some of the historical events on diseases and infections which led to the importance of hand hygiene.
How do we wash our hands? What is the significance of washing hands with soap and water? Is it better than using Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs (ABHR)? A research study by Jabbar et all, 2010, found out that hand washing with soap and water diminishes the spores of clostridium difficile on hands than the ABHR does. Click the following link to view some interesting research findings on the results of hand washing using ABHR and soap with water.
Are we following the correct technique of washing hands? What are the steps to be followed in hand washing? How long will we wash our hands?

When do we wash our hands?
Wash hands
·         before and after touching patients
·         before and after performing procedures
·         before and after touching equipments
·         before and after eating
·         after using restroom
Also visit the following link to know some interesting facts on hand washing.



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