Infection Prevention: Hand Hygiene
Hand Hygiene Can Prevent Many Infections
The most common method of transmission of pathogens in the health care setting is via the hands of health care workers. Hand hygiene is considered the most simple and cost-effective method of preventing nosocomial infections. It is estimated that good adherence to hand hygiene practices can prevent at least 20% of nosocomially-acquired infections.
The effectiveness of hand hygiene has been known for greater than 150 years, since Ignaz P. Semmelweis demonstrated a decrease in maternal postpartum mortality with a hand hygiene intervention. More recently, studies have shown decreased rates of nosomial infection with improvements in hand hygiene compliance. A 2000 study from Pittet showed a decrease in nosocomial infection rate from 16.9% to 9.9% in conjunction with an increase in hand hygiene compliance from 47.6% to 66.2% (1).
Health Care Worker Hand Hygiene Compliance is Poor
Unfortunately, compliance with hand hygiene recommendations is relatively low, around 40%. As a result, many patients acquire preventable nosocomial infections. In surveys, many reasons are given for poor compliance, including lack of time, poor location of sinks, skin irritation, perception of higher priorities, and lack of visible soiiling. In addition, observational studies have shown that health care workers over-estimate their compliance with hand hygiene recommendations.
References:
1. Pittet D., Hugonnet S., Harbarth S., Mourouga P., Sauvan V., and Touveneau S. Effectiveness of a hospital-wide programme to improve compliance with hand hygiene. Lancet 2000;356:1307-1312.
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