Infection control and hand hygieneInfection control is an integral component of quality improvement in health care, directed towards reducing the incidence of hospital acquired infections and improving health outcomes. Therefore it should also reduce: Show
Hand hygieneThe single most important measure in reducing the risk of cross-infection is effective hand hygiene by health care workers (HCWs) and ancillary staff.
For hand hygiene to be effective, HCWs in clinical areas must:
We encourage staff to debug or wash their hands according to the five moments of hand hygiene set out by the world health organization these moments include;
Washing with soap and water is still needed, when you feel it is appropriate to you or when your hands are visibly soiled. Non-intact skinNon intact skin (e.g. cuts, abrasions, or dermatitis) constitute a breach in the skin’s protective barrier and should be covered with protective waterproof dressing (eg. ‘Opsite’, ‘Tegaderm’) or gloves. Aqueous-based hand creams can be used to avoid chapped hands. Oil-based preparations should be avoided as they may cause latex gloves to deteriorate. Hand careAll staff are encouraged to maintain good skin integrity. Regular use of moisturising lotions is encouraged. In clinical areas only moisturising lotions endorsed and provided by the facility are to be used, as these are compatible with the hand hygiene products currently in use. Any adverse skin conditions should be reported to the Occupational Health & Safety Department. Clean betweenProwipes are alcohol impregnated wipes which are used to clean all shared patient equipment after each patient use. They are available in readily accessible places in every ward, on most trolleys and on shared patient equipment (such as observation machines). All shared equipment needs to be cleaned between patients; prowipes enable equipment such as oximeters and thermometers to be cleaned quickly and efficiently to prevent cross infection. Personal protective equipment (PPE)We encourage you to use personal protective wear such as gloves and eye wear in any situation where you may be exposed to patient body fluids or contaminated materials. This is particularly important if you have any cuts or grazes on your hands; body fluid exposure in this instance would require us to follow our body fluids exposure protocol. The hospital provides powder free, latex free gloves for your use. Personal protective eye wear is also available for use and you are encouraged utilise these whenever appropriate. If an exposure such as an eye splash or a needle stick injury does occur please see the person in charge of your shift immediately so that the appropriate measures can be put in place, this will include screening for Hep B, Hep C and HIV as well as the appropriate counselling and reporting. Glove use
Note: Gloves do not always provide a completely impermeable barrier to the user, therefore it is important that hand hygiene is performed before and after glove usage. Glen's storyWhat is the most effective nursing action for preventing and controlling the spread of infection?Hand hygiene is the most important measure to prevent the spread of infections among patients and DHCP.
What are the correct steps for removal of protective barriers after leaving an isolation room?Put the following steps for removal of protective barriers after leaving an isolation room in order.. Remove gloves.. Perform hand hygiene.. Remove eyewear or goggles.. Untie top and then bottom mask strings and remove from face.. Untie waist and neck strings of gown.. |