HAND HYGIENE FOR PATIENTS

( what patients should know )

Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent infection

Dr.T.V.Rao MD 2

Patients too should practice Hand Hygiene

One of the best ways to stop the spread of Microbes is for PATIENTS and our healthcare providers is to practice good hand hygiene by washing or decontaminating your hands.
Dr.T.V.Rao MD 3

IMPROVING YOUR HAND HYGIENE PRACTICES

Important topics:

Why should we clean our hands?

Barriers to frequent hand washing

How do hands become contaminated?

Advantages of alcohol-based hand rubs

New Hand Hygiene Recommendations
Dr.T.V.Rao MD 4

Does hand washing really reduce the spread of bacteria in healthcare settings?

Yes!

A scientific study performed in a hospital nursery found that when nurses did not wash their hands between patient contacts, babies acquired Staph bacteria much more frequently than babies cared for by nurses who washed their hands with an antimicrobial soap. Several other studies also show that washing hands between patient contacts reduces the spread of bacteria in healthcare. Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Patients too become care takers of the Self with Hand Hygiene
Providing patients with the tools and knowledge to perform proper hand hygiene empowers the patient to take charge and be a part of their care and safety while in the hospital

Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Artificial fingernails, gel nails or extenders should not be worn Natural nail tips should not be longer than 0.635 cm (1/4 inch) long Nail polish should be removed when chipped

Avoid wearing hand jewellery

Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Hand Hygiene Definitions

Hand washing
The application of non-antimicrobial soap and water to the surface of the hands

Antiseptic hand wash

Washing hands with water and soap or other detergents containing an antiseptic agent

Alcohol-based hand rub

an alcohol-containing preparation designed for application to the hands in order to reduce the number of viable organisms with maximum efficacy and speed

Surgical hand hygiene/antisepsis

Hand washing or using an alcohol-based hand rub before operations by surgical personnel
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Evidence of Relationship Between Hand Hygiene and Healthcare-Associated Infections

Substantial evidence that hand hygiene reduces the incidence of infections Historical study: Semmelweiss
More recent studies: rates lower when antiseptic hand washing was performed
Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-care Settings. MMWR 2002; vol. 51, no. RR-16.

Dr.T.V.Rao MD

When the Patients Wash Your Hands

Children and adults should wash their hands with soap and water: When hands are visibly dirty Before eating Before preparing food items After contact with any body fluids such as blood, urine or vomit After changing infant or adult diapers After touching animals and pets
Dr.T.V.Rao MD 10

When you practice Hand Hygiene

After using the restroom After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing Before and after touching a sick or injured person Before and after visiting a hospital ward
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How to Wash Your Hands the Right Way

Wet hands with water. Apply soap to hands. Liquid soap is best; germs can live on bar soap, but if used, it should be stored on a rack between uses. Rub hands vigorously together for at least 15 seconds (say the ABCs or sing Row, Row, Row your Boat to make sure youve washed long enough). Cover all surfaces of hands, fingers and thumbs.
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Dr.T.V.Rao MD

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What patients can practice at Home

Before you wash your hands, take off any jewellery. When you wash with soap, use regular liquid soap. You dont need antibacterial soap to remove dirt and germs. In fact, using antibiotics when they arent needed can lead to antibiotic resistance that's when germs get stronger and harder to kill. Use moisturizer on your hands. Washing your hands can dry out your skin. If your skin is dry, it can develop small cracks, where germs can hide. So put moisturizer on your hands after cleaning them.

Dr.T.V.Rao MD

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Drying Hands after Washing

Rinse hands well to remove soap residue. Dry hands gently using soft paper towels; if using cloth towels, remember that damp towels may harbour germs.

Use towel to turn off faucet.

Dr.T.V.Rao MD 15

Drying Hands Paper Towel in Better

According to a new study released by the Mayo Clinic, drying hands with a paper towel is more effective when compared with cloth towels and electric air dryers (i.e. hot air dryers and jet air dryers). The research, conducted , reviewed 12 studies on the hygienic efficacy of different hand drying methods. This included drying efficiency, the removal of bacteria and the prevention of cross-contamination.
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When to Use Alcohol Hand Rubs

Perform routine cleaning of hands anytime they are not visibly dirty If you have contact with contaminated objects in the environment Before and after you care for or have contact with someone who is very sick, very old or very young
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When to Use Alcohol Hand Rubs

After touching another persons intact skin (shaking hands, holding hands, especially when the other person has a cold or other illness) When you simply want to decontaminate handsWhen soap and water are not available
Dr.T.V.Rao MD 18

Why Use ABHR ??

Reduces bacterial count on hands More effective for standard hand wash Reduces adverse outcomes and cost associated with HAIs Requires less time Less irritating Can be readily accessible/ portable
Dr.T.V.Rao MD 19

Apply 2-3 mls of product to the palm of one hand Rub hands together, covering all hand surfaces, including fingernails, web spaces, thumbs & palms. Ensure hands are dry before performing another task (dries within 15-20 seconds). NB: Alcohol products are flammable.
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How to do it
Apply product to palm of one hand. Rub hands together. Cover all surfaces of hands and fingers. When using alcohol hand rubs, you have used enough (about 1/2 tsp.) if it takes 25-30 seconds to dry on your hands. Do not wipe off alcohol hand rubs. Let hands air dry.
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Easy Message

SQUIRT
one squirt (1-3 ml) to your hands

RUB
apply to palm

ROLL
rub hands together covering all aspects of your fingers & hands until dry

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Better alcohol rubs

Choose alcohol hand rubs containing at least 60% alcohol, listed as ingredients isopropyl, ethanol or n-propanol. Choose alcohol hand rubs with 1-3% glycerol or other skin conditioning agents. These conditioners are added to alcohol hand rubs to restore moisture to the skin. Alcohol-based hand rubs, rinses or gels that contain conditioners cause much less skin irritation and dryness than plain or antimicrobial hand rubs.
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If You Have Dry Skin

It is not necessary, or recommended, to routinely wash your hands after using alcohol-based hand rubs. Use of antimicrobial hand wipes is considered equal to hand washing; BUT not as effective in killing germs as using alcohol hand rubs. When used on dry or chafed skin, alcohol may cause a temporary stinging effect; however, if products are chosen carefully, the chance of this is greatly decreased.
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Some one sick at HomeAll inmates must Practice Hand Washing

When someone in your home is sick, it's extra important to wash your hands properly. Make sure everyone in the home washes their hands properly and often. Give the sick person her own hand towel to dry her hands; no one else should use her towel. Put out clean hand towels every day: one for the sick person, another for the healthy people. Or use disposable hand towels
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 Programme Created by Dr.T.V.Rao MD for Everyone on the Hand Hygiene Practices

Email
doctortvrao@gmail.com

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