Hand hygiene is a cornerstone of infection prevention and control in healthcare settings. Proper handwashing is one of the most effective measures to prevent the spread of pathogens and protect clients, colleagues, and oneself. This guide outlines the steps for proper handwashing and highlights its importance for healthcare workers.
The Importance of Hand Hygiene in Healthcare
As healthcare workers, we are constantly exposed to microorganisms that can cause infections. Our hands frequently come into contact with surfaces, equipment, and clients, creating potential transmission pathways. Effective hand hygiene can significantly reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), safeguarding client outcomes and maintaining a safe healthcare environment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020).
When to Wash Your Hands
Handwashing is essential at key moments, including but not limited to:
- Before and after client contact.
- Before performing aseptic procedures.
- After exposure to body fluids or contaminated surfaces.
- After removing gloves.
- Before eating or drinking.
- After using the restroom.
These moments align with the World Health Organization's (WHO, 2009) "Five Moments for Hand Hygiene" framework.
Supplies Needed
Before beginning, ensure access to the following:
- Clean running water (preferably warm).
- Liquid soap from a dispenser (bar soap can harbor microorganisms).
- Paper towels or a clean cloth towel.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer for situations where soap and water are unavailable (CDC, 2020).
Step-by-Step Handwashing Technique
- Preparation: Roll up your sleeves and remove any jewelry or watches. Ensure nails are trimmed and clean.
- Wet Your Hands: Turn on the faucet and adjust the water temperature to a comfortable level. Wet your hands thoroughly under running water.
- Apply Soap: Dispense enough liquid soap to cover all surfaces of your hands (CDC, 2020).
- Lather and Scrub: Rub your hands together to create a lather, ensuring thorough coverage. Pay special attention to:
- Palms and backs of hands.
- Fingers and spaces between them.
- Thumbs.
- Fingertips and under the nails.
- Wrists.
Scrub for at least 20 seconds to ensure effective removal of pathogens. A helpful tip is to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice to measure the time (CDC, 2020).
- Rinse Thoroughly: Place your hands under running water, allowing the soap and dirt to wash away. Keep your hands pointed downward to prevent water from running back onto your arms.
- Dry Your Hands: Use a clean paper towel to dry your hands completely. Avoid air dryers, as they can circulate pathogens in the air (CDC, 2020).
- Turn Off the Faucet: Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet to avoid re-contaminating your hands (WHO, 2009).
- Dispose of Towels Properly: Discard used paper towels into a designated waste bin.
Additional Tips
- Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are unavailable. However, hand sanitizer is not effective against certain pathogens like Clostridium difficile (C. diff); in these cases, handwashing is mandatory (CDC, 2020).
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, to minimize the risk of self-inoculation.
Conclusion
For healthcare workers, proper handwashing is more than a routine task—it is a professional responsibility. By diligently following these steps, we can prevent the spread of infections and demonstrate our commitment to client safety. Hand hygiene is a simple but powerful act that saves lives, making it an indispensable part of daily practice in healthcare settings.
References
Additional Resource
WHO Hand Hygiene Video: Follow the WHO's official guidelines: Hand Hygiene: Why, How & When?