...The Importance of Hand Hygiene in the work place Rosamma Mathew American Sentinel University The Importance of Hand Hygiene in the work place The University of Illinois hospital has its policy and procedures located on the hospital’s web page. It is simple and easy to access. It is available twenty for hours a day, every day, and any employee of the hospital can access it from any computer as long as they have valid identification. Each hospital employee was told where to find certain policies and procedures, and they are notified through e-mail of any policy changes and updates. Most importantly all policy and procedures are based on evidence that has been collected and recorded. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], around two million patients get infected while in a hospital settings in the United States each year, ("Hand Hygiene Basics," 2011) . The infection attained can be either simple or life threatening. One can prevent the spread of infection by simply washing their hands. In fact, hand washing is the single most important way to prevent or reduce the spread of infection. As a nurse I follow all of the policies and procedures of my hospital. I work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, so it is essential that policies and procedures are held to the utmost standard. Premature babies are very susceptible to infection since their immune system is still in the stages of development. Premature infants...
Words: 611 - Pages: 3
...Reabsorption of Sodium Chloride — Lessons from the Chloride Channels PERSPECTIVE prostaglandin inhibitors, and the molecular challenge is substantial as well. The molecular delineation of the genetic defects that result in tubulopathies can lead to a better understanding of their physiology. However, the DNA sequencing of the genes that encode transporters and channels (as well as their subunits) is not a trivial matter and must be complemented by experiments determining expression patterns. The Xenopus oocytes that have been used for such studies are transfected cells rather than “real” polarized cells of the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle surrounded by the sophisticated hypertonic environment of the renal medulla. The complex polyuria–polydipsia syndrome described by Schlingmann et al. is attributable to the concomitant loss-of-function mutations in both CLCNKA and CLCNKB; the syndrome results in ion selectivity, demonstrating the means whereby a renal tubular cell lets one type of ion (chloride) through the lipid membrane to the exclusion of others. It thus provides yet another example of the molecular basis of Bartter’s syndrome (see Figure). The contributions of Roderick McKinnon and Peter Agre to solving these two complementary problems of the resorption of renal solute and renal solvent earned them the 2003 Nobel Prize in chemistry.5 We live in a fascinating time in which clinical syndromes can be deciphered at the molecular and even...
Words: 3296 - Pages: 14
...simple procedure such as hand washing and show why it is an EBP protocol. Why Is Hand Washing So Important? Everyone in the world is responsible for good hand hygiene. As healthcare providers, it is important to teach our patience the importance of good hand hygiene to prevent spread of infection and or disease. By doing this, you are involving patients in their care and helping the greater cause of disease prevention. All healthcare facilities include hand hygiene protocols. Where I work, the hospital policy is that we wash our hands upon entering a patient’s room, put on gloves, remove gloves, wash hands upon leaving that patient’s room, then wash hand again upon entering the next patient’s room…and continue that routine with each patient. We were allowed to us hand sanitizer up to three times, in place of washing with soap and water, providing the patient is not on contact or any other special precautions. For the most part, most of do this, but I did not see everyone following this protocol, especially doctors. Most of the staff only use the sanitizer all of the time. The only time hand washing protocol seems to be followed fully is when I witness sterile procedures. This is a problem and causes increased occurrence of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), but it is difficult to ensure healthcare staff practice proper hand hygiene. From my previous work experiences, protocols were not in place and patients were not encouraged to wash their hands before and after meals...
Words: 750 - Pages: 3
...OCR - ICO1 1.1 As an employee it is our responsibility to adhere to company policies and procedures as well as those implemented by localised procedures. This means any communicable diseases which are notifiable, must be brought to the attention of the appropriate authority. If I have any concerns whatsoever regarding the management of infectious diseases in the workplace, I should contact line / project manager, whom will then seek professional advice. All employees must also observe general precautions, other rules specific to a particular work activity must also be observe red. Roles and responsibilities of personnel in relation to infection control. 1.2 It is the responsibility of the employer to provide employees with information on such policies, as well as ensure all employees receive sufficient training where necessary. Also to provide PPE (personal protective equipment) to all members of staff. 2.1 The Health and Social Care Act 2008; Code of Practice for health and adult social care on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance. To help providers of healthcare, adult social care, (and others) plan and implement how they prevent and control infections. It includes criteria for CQC to take into account when assessing compliance with the registration requirement on cleanliness and infection control. Legislation, regulations and guidance that govern infection prevention and control. * Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Management of...
Words: 2357 - Pages: 10
...Abstract Background Hand washing and hand hygiene are consider to be the number one, cheap essential measure of preventing and controlling spread of hospital acquired infections (HAIs). Hand washing and hygiene can significantly reduce the burden of disease, in particular in hospitalized patient Unfortunately compliance to hand hygiene recommended standard procedures by the health care workers (HCWs) has been unacceptably poor. In order to design education program, identification of several risk factors associated with poor hand hygiene (HH) compliance is of extreme importance. Objective: The purpose of this study is to implement a hand hygiene program for increase compliance with hand hygiene among health care worker in 97 beds hospital. The key target for compliance to HH is not only health-care workers but also policy-makers and organizational leaders and managers. Methods.: Compliance to hand hygiene will be evaluated through direct observation of HCWs ,to helps pinpoint areas of strength or weaknesses in HH behavior, so as to develop training program that will help HCWs to complaint with HH . Evaluation will be based on direct observation and survey audit, observing the HCWs during routine patient care to ensure that hands hygiene are performed before and after getting in contact with patient and patient environment. In addition, survey audit based on the HCWs perception, knowledge and attitude, including patient and family observation of HCWs about hand hygiene. Intervention...
Words: 6478 - Pages: 26
...for 75% of all acquired infections in the acute care hospital setting. These are surgical site infections, central line-associated bloodstream infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (Nassof, 2009). Urinary tract infections comprise the highest percentage (Paterson, 2012). These infections usually are spread by the contaminated hands of healthcare providers or the patient’s family members. They are also caused by contaminated surfaces or hospital equipment that has not been properly cleaned (Nassof, 2009). The rate of exposure to infectious materials could be reduced if healthcare providers adhered to certain standard precautions such as hand hygiene. The proposal for this nursing research utilization project is to educate nurses on the importance of hand hygiene using evidence base protocol and how they can implement it in order to prevent nosocomial infections. Most if not all healthcare providers sometime in their career fail to wash their hands. Regardless of staff views on hand washing, research evidence-based studies confirm that hand washing is the most important way healthcare providers can prevent the spread of infection...
Words: 6142 - Pages: 25
...Infection control policy and procedures of “facility x” By Sharyn Royal #201006683 In this report I will discuss the policy and procedures at a nursing home. I will be specifically looking at infection control during the course of a medication round. The information contained in this report was gathered in a private nursing home over 2 weeks that for the sake of this essay, be called “facility x” During the medication round there is much time for resident contact, this can be in the form of physical reassurance, assisting with cups, or direct physical contact when applying lotions or eye drops. Any infectious agent transmitted by the contact or droplet route can potentially be transmitted during the medication round. Hand hygiene is widely acknowledged to be the single most important activity for reducing the spread of infection. Facility X states in its “policy and procedures” that it follows the concept of the ‘5 moments for hand hygiene’ developed by the World Health Organization. This includes washing hands: 1 Before touching a patient, 2 Before a procedure, 3 After a procedure, 4 After touching a patient, 5 After touching patient’s surroundings/belongings These 5 times are mostly adhered to in facility x, except for step 5, washing hands after touching a patients surroundings. This was often overlooked, possibly because of the lack of association between the items in the room and part laziness. At facility x, the use of suitable alcohol based hand rub before...
Words: 960 - Pages: 4
...Appendix A Table 1: Hand Hygiene – Comparison of Guidelines |Source |When to Perform Hand Hygiene |Selection Of Agent |Technique |Other Relevant Aspects Of Hand Hygiene| |John Muir - Hand Hygiene Policy (2009) |Hands are visibly soiled |Soap and water are to be used|When washing with soap and water: |Healthcare workers to keep nails short| | |Prior to contact with pt diagnosed |to perform hand hygiene if |Stand close to sink, wet hands with water, |and clean | | |with C. Diff or viral |hands are visibly soiled |keep hands lower than elbow, apply soap and |The use of gloves does not mean that | | |gastroenteritis |Use alcohol based hand |lather thoroughly and wash hands. |you do not have to wash your hands | | |Before eating , after using |sanitizer is recommended when|Washing hands should take no less than 15 |Patients should also be given the | | |restroom, after wiping nose |a sink is not accessible or |seconds |chance to wash their hands before and | | ...
Words: 1425 - Pages: 6
...Improving Hand Hygiene Practices 1.0 Introduction Health-related infections account for about 100,000 deaths per annum in the United States. A world-wide systematic review revealed that the occurrence of health-related infections range from between 1.7 to 23.6% per 100 patients. Hospital costs inherently associated with the healthcare-related infections range between 30 to 34 billion US dollars; yet these infections can be prevented through hand hygiene. Critical epidemiologic evidence supports the claims that hand hygiene reduces the transmission of healthcare-related infections. Although it is hard to link hand hygiene and the improvement of healthcare-related infections, organizations such as the Joint Commission, World Health Organization among others, acknowledge the essence of hand hygiene as a universal guideline to reduce healthcare-acquired infections. As such, this proposal focuses on interventions to improve compliance with hand hygiene as a pathway to reduce healthcare-associated infections, rather than the efficacy of hand hygiene to reduce healthcare-associated infections. 1.1 Statement of Purpose Compliance with hand hygiene practices among healthcare workers, nurses, physicians and patients has been low, averaging at approximately 39%. A study conducted in the year 2001 that was aimed at improving hand hygiene compliance and interventions found that there was poor compliance across hospital unit types and other settings. In particular, workers, nurses, physicians...
Words: 2598 - Pages: 11
...Nosocomial Infections (Endogenous infections and cross contamination infections) 1. Nosocomial Infections: known as hospital acquired infections are infections are not presenting at the time of admission but develop over the course of stay. a. Endogenous: the patient already has the infection at the time of admission minus the signs/symptoms of such infection but resistance lowers over course of stay and infection presents b. Cross Contamination: patient becomes infected while staying in the hospital by coming in contact with infective agents subsequently developing an infection ii. Evaluate and monitor the results of changes made 2. Continually edit procedures and policies as needed iii. Select and implement best techniques to minimize negative outcomes 3. Separate the infection source from the rest of the hospital (aspetic techniques included) 4. Cut off any further route of transmission II. PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: C. Nightingale Community Hospital recently had a review revealing unsatisfactory results in the Surgical Site Infection (SSI) rates iv. Focus was placed on rectifying SSI rates for total knee replacements and general surgeries...
Words: 839 - Pages: 4
...Hand-hygiene and its importance in health care practice Presented by Ynotte Boatswain 10/28/2012 NRS-433V Grand Canyon University Professor: Jesy Chua The problems as seen in many hospitals today in the United States of America are the amount of hospital acquired infections (HAI’s) among patients and it cost to health care system and patients as a result of improper or poor hand hygiene. Many studies conducted by various researches such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Center of Disease Control (CDC), National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance (NNIS) between 1989 to present day by various authors who shows that hand hygiene plays a major role in controlling HAI’s and the cost of treatment with the amount of patients affected yearly. “ Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.” The goal is that the field of infection control can and should be the leader in understanding how research findings can be efficiency and effectively translated into clinical practice, Goethe. How can hand-hygiene improve patient’s outcomes, improved patient’s satisfaction and how does poor hand-hygiene impacted the health care system, patient’s family life and many institutions. Many researchers used mixed...
Words: 923 - Pages: 4
...Applications of Epidemiology-A case study Analyze Good Health Hospital’s records and itemize recent nosocomial infections that occurred within the past year. In your report, categorize the different parameters (i.e. person, time, place and ethnicity and gender) used in the compilation of data into the information summative. Hypothetically, Good Health Hospital is assumed to have possessed nosocomial infections as in any real hospitals where patients seek admission for treatment. According to Center for Disease Control and prevention (CDC), and Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH), a healthcare associated infection (HAI) which is also known as nosocomial infection is an infection that a person gets while staying as a patient in a hospital or other health care facility (PADOH, 2008). Hence, it is clearly understood that patients always acquired nosocomial infections during the process of receiving health care services from health professionals in any hospital or healthcare setting. PADOH has also confirmed that HAIs are the primary contributors of most sicknesses and mortalities in the world. For example, in American hospitals alone, HAIs account for about 1.7 million infections causing 99,000 deaths each year. Therefore, based on the analysis of Good Health Hospital records, research had shown that a great number of recent nosocomial infections that had happened before were identified. Among the different kinds of nosocomial infections verified, few infection type have...
Words: 1791 - Pages: 8
...Hand Hygiene Change Project Capstone NU296 September 18, 2013 Introduction The lack of hand washing and/or hand sanitizing is a leading cause of nosocomial infections in healthcare facilities not only here in Nevada, but across the United States. Hand washing is one of the biggest contributing factors in stopping the spread of infections throughout the healthcare environment. Nosocomial infections could be dramatically reduced by monitoring and enforcing hand washing and/or “gel in, gel out” policies of each facility. This could also lower the length of stay per patient, and greatly reduce the medical care cost per patient. Analyze the current situation and provide evidence based resources to support the need for change and your proposed plan. Include ethical, legal, or standards of care implications. Washing hands as promptly and thoroughly as possible between patient contact and after contact with blood, bodily fluids, secretions, excretions, and medical equiptment contaminated by patients is a huge element in infection control. Hand hygiene is recognized by infection prevention and control experts as the single most important intervention in decreasing the spread of infection in healthcare facilities. Unclean hands are the main transporters for germs between people and inanimate objects (i.e. blood pressure cuffs, bed rails, call lights, etc…). It is imperative to practice...
Words: 1990 - Pages: 8
...Infections in Relation to Poor Hand Hygiene Hospital acquired infections is an all too real and current issue. It is also highly preventable through the simple action of hand hygiene. Hand hygiene is a vital part of the hospital system to ensure the continuum of health. The number of professional health care staff who is not abiding by the governing policies on hand hygiene is alarming. It is an issue that is particularly relevant to nurses as they are in constant contact with patients, more so than any other health care professional. This paper shall address the topic of hospital acquired infections in relation to the lack of hand washing and poor hand hygiene. It shall hence be explored the reason behind the issues existence. Background Modern infection control is grounded in the work of Ignaz Semelweis who, in the late 1840’s demonstrated the importance of hand hygiene for controlling transmission of infection (Pittet, Allegrazi, & Boyce, 2009) and reduced mortality rate related to hospital acquired infections (Mortell, 2012). Hand hygiene has become an integral part of our culture. Hand washing is taught at every level of school, advocated in the workplace, and emphasized during nursing, medical, and paramedic training programs. The primary objective of hand hygiene recommendations has always been to reduce pathogen transmission and hospital acquired infections which, in turn, should reduce patient morbidity and mortality (Mortell, 2012). Hand Hygiene has been recognized...
Words: 2884 - Pages: 12
...Texas State University Child Development Center Guidelines for Family and Child Development students State legal requirements In order to help ensure the health and safety of children, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) Child Care Licensing sets minimum standards for people who work with children in child care programs. These standards apply to all Texas State University students who enroll in child development classes that require either observation or participation at the campus Child Development Center. To meet the TDFPS standards, students must * Provide a copy of a Social Security card * Provide a copy of a government issued photo ID (state issued drivers’ license or passport), * Complete a criminal history statement and have this affidavit notarized, * Complete a request for a Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services Child Care Licensing background check * Provide verification of an annual TB test (Must have tested negative for TB within the last year. TB tests take 48-72 hours to process) Follow these guidelines to complete the required documentation: 1. Download and legibly complete the Request for Criminal History and Central Registry Check form and Affidavit for Applicants for Employment in a Licensed Operation or Registered Child-Care Home form posted on your class TRACS site. For these documents, please use your home address—consistent with that on your government issued photo...
Words: 1560 - Pages: 7
