Handwashing is the single most important way to prevent the spread of infection.
Who?
Everyone is responsible for washing their hands.
When?
After glove removal. Before touching something that will also touch a patient.
Before, between and after all physical contact with the patient.
Before and after handling patient care devices such as intravascular catheters,
urinary drainage systems, and respiratory equipment.
Before and after performing any personal activities, such as eating, blowing
the nose, using the toilet, combing hair, applying makeup or scratching any
part of the body.
How?
Remove hand jewelry. Pin rings, watches, bracelets to the inside of your pocket.
Wet hands with warm water. Apply soap. Wash for at least 20 seconds seconds using vigorous
mechanical friction. Pay attention to the areas between the fingers, around
and under the fingernails, and the wrists. Rinse well to remove soap and germs.
"Pat" dry with paper towel. Use paper towel to turn off the faucet
and to open restroom door.
Use a personal trial-size container of hand cream to avoid cross contamination
with peers. When handwashing facilities are not available and you cannot see
or feel soil on your hands, you may "De-Germ"
your hands with a waterless handcleaner (basically alcohol) between patient
contacts.
