What Is It?

Hand hygiene is a general term referring to any action of hand cleaning and includes

The washing of hands systematically by rubbing all surfaces of lathered hands vigorously with a mild liquid handwash for 10-15 seconds under running water and drying with single-use paper towels or cloths. If elbow or foot controls are unavailable, a paper towel or the used towel should be used to turn taps off to prevent the risk of cross-infection

Applying a waterless antimicrobial hand rub/sanitiser to the surface of non-soiled hands (e.g., alcohol-based hand rub/sanitiser) and rubbing vigorously until the hand rub has evaporated 

The entire surface of the hands should be covered with the hand hygiene product, and friction should be applied to enable the mechanical removal of micro-organisms.

Why Is It Important?

Effective hand hygiene is a fundamental infection prevention and control strategy. Hand hygiene performed at critical points during resident contact is essential to prevent the spread of disease to others and limit contamination of the healthcare environment.

Hand hygiene must be completed using the correct technique and products to be most effective.

An annual competency assessment is recommended. 

Effective Hand Hygiene Practice

Hands can become contaminated with infectious agents through contact with a resident, the resident's surroundings, the environment, or other employees.

Cross-contamination can occur from one site to another in the same resident, between healthcare worker and resident, between resident or healthcare worker and the environment, or between healthcare workers.

Practicing hand hygiene before every episode of resident contact reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

'5 Moments of Hand Hygiene'

The World Health Organization (WHO) designed the '5 Moments of Hand Hygiene' approach to minimise the risk of transmission of microorganisms between a healthcare worker, the resident, and the environment.

In addition, healthcare workers should perform hand hygiene

Upon entering and leaving the facility

Before eating/handling food/drinks

Before handling the resident's food/drinks

After coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose

After using the toilet

After contact with companion or therapy animals