Jane Kirk MSN, RN, CIC, clinical specialist, advised GOJO Industries, a leading global producer and marketer of skin health and hygiene solutions for away-from-home settings, about the basics of good hand-washing practices. Even with all of the technology that today's healthcare employs, hand hygiene is still recognized as the most important action to reduce healthcare acquired infections.
Ms. Kirk shared three tips for basic hand hygiene best practices.
1. 15-second rule. When cleansing hands with soap and water, wet hands with water first and apply the manufacturer's recommended amount of product to hands. Avoid using hot water, as repeated exposure may increase the risk of dermatitis. Rub hands together vigorously, covering all surfaces, for at least 15 seconds. Hygiene programs often suggest singing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," or "Happy Birthday" to measure a full 15 seconds. Rinse hands with water, dry thoroughly with a disposable towel and use a disposable towel to turn off the water faucet. Avoid using hot water, because repeated exposure to hot water may increase the risk of dermatitis.[1]
2. Alcohol hand rubs. Alcohol-based hand rubs are the most effective agents for reducing the number of bacteria on the hands of healthcare personnel.[2] They are recommended for routine decontamination of hands for all clinical indications, unless the hands are visibly soiled or after exposure to spores. When using the alcohol-based hand rub, apply the manufacturer's recommended amount of hand sanitizer to the palm of one hand and rub the hands together, covering all surfaces of hands and fingers, until hands are dry.
3. Fingernail hygiene. Artificial nails have been shown to harbor gram negative pathogens on their fingertips in healthcare settings, and have been linked to outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units. The Center for Disease Control strongly recommends that artificial nails and extenders not be worn when having direct contact with patients at high risk. Natural nail tips should be less than one-quarter inch long, and while nail polish does not increased the number of bacteria, chipped nails may support the growth of larger numbers of organisms on fingernails.[3]
Preventing healthcare acquired infections by practicing hand hygiene is not complicated. It requires getting back to the basics, providing on-going education and developing habits that demonstrate that healthcare workers and their institution are committed to the well-being of their patients.
Learn more about GOJO Industries.
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References
1,2,3: Boyce, J.M. & Pittet, D. (2002). Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings: Recommendations of the HICPAC/SHEA/APIC/IDSA Hand Hygiene Task Force. MMWR (51) 51(No. RR-16).
