Hand Hygiene

Hand Hygiene is one of the most effective measures to reduce the occurrence of hospital associated infections (HAI). The single most common way of transferring the organisms that cause HAIs is on the hands of health care providers

There are two acceptable methods of performing hand hygiene:

  • An alcohol based hand rub (ABHR)
  • Soap and running water

Alcohol based hand rub is the preferred means within health care settings as it is accessible at the point of care.

The Point of Care is the place where three things meet:

  • Patient/Client/Resident
  • Healthcare provider
  • Care involving contact

There are circumstances involving certain microorganisms when washing with soap and water is preferable i.e. C. difficile.

There are four key moments when hand hygiene should occur. These are known as the 4 Moments of Hand Hygiene

Practice Guidelines

Placement of ABHR and Lotion Dispensers

Links

Hand Hygiene Policy

Infection Prevention & Control – Hand Hygiene  -  (no log in required)

Patient and Family Guide: Hand Hygiene

Home - Infection Prevention and Control - LibGuides at Nova Scotia Health (nshealth.ca)

How to Clean Your Hands with Sanitizer Poster

How to Wash Your Hands Poster