THE EFFECTIVENESS OF
HAND HYGIENE IN
PREVENTING ASSOCIATED
INFECTIONS
Submitted by :
Defensor, Gracelie Mae C.
Chapter 1
Introduction
Hand hygiene is now regarded as one of the most important element of infection control
activities. In the wake of the growing burden of health care associated infections (HCAIs), the
increasing severity of illness and complexity of treatment, superimposed by multi-drug resistant
(MDR) pathogen infections, health care practitioners (HCPs) are reversing back to the basics of
infection preventions by simple measures like hand hygiene. This is because enough scientific
evidence supports the observation that if properly implemented, hand hygiene alone can
significantly reduce the risk of cross-transmission of infection in healthcare facilities (HCFs.
This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of hand hygiene in preventing hospital-
associated infections. By reviewing existing literature and studies on this topic, we seek to
identify the impact of hand hygiene practices on the incidence of HAIs and emphasize the
importance of rigorous hand hygiene compliance in healthcare settings.
Background of the Study
Hospital-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant concern for healthcare facilities and
patients alike. The transmission of pathogens within healthcare settings can lead to increased
morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. One of the most fundamental and yet crucial measures
to prevent HAIs is hand hygiene. Hand hygiene, which includes handwashing with soap and
water or using alcohol-based hand rubs, is a simple and cost-effective practice that can
significantly reduce the spread of infections.
Evidence supporting the effectiveness of hand hygiene in preventing hospital-associated
infections is abundant. Numerous studies have demonstrated that proper hand hygiene practices
among healthcare workers can reduce the transmission of pathogens and prevent HAIs. The
implementation of hand hygiene protocols, such as the World Health Organization's "Five
Moments for Hand Hygiene," has been shown to significantly decrease the incidence of
healthcare-associated infections in various clinical settings. Research conducted by Pittet et al.
(2000) revealed a direct correlation between improved hand hygiene compliance and reduced
HAIs in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting. The study demonstrated that when healthcare
workers consistently adhered to hand hygiene protocols, the rates of bloodstream infections and
other HAIs decreased substantially. Similarly, a meta-analysis by Allegranzi et al. (2012)
provided compelling evidence that improving hand hygiene practices led to a significant
reduction in HAIs across different healthcare settings, including surgical units, neonatal intensive
care units, and general medical wards.
Furthermore, the introduction of alcohol-based hand rubs has revolutionized hand hygiene
practices in healthcare. These products offer a convenient and effective alternative to traditional
handwashing with soap and water, particularly in situations where access to handwashing
facilities is limited. Studies have shown that the regular use of alcohol-based hand rubs by
healthcare workers can lead to a substantial decrease in the incidence of HAIs, contributing to
overall patient safety and reduced healthcare costs. In addition to preventing HAIs in healthcare
facilities, hand hygiene also plays a critical role in community settings.
Encouraging proper hand hygiene practices among patients and visitors can limit the spread of
infections both within and outside the hospital environment. Education and awareness campaigns
promoting hand hygiene have the potential to reduce the burden of healthcare-associated
infections not only in clinical settings but also in the community at large.
Statement and Objective of the problem :
Handwashing practices in the patient care setting began in the early 19th century. The practice
evolved over the years with evidential proof of its vast importance and coupled with other hand-
hygienic practices, decreased pathogens responsible for nosocomial or hospital-acquired
infections (HAI). Contaminated hands of healthcare providers are a primary source of pathogenic
spread. Proper hand hygiene decreases the proliferation of microorganisms, thus reducing
infection risk and overall healthcare costs, length of stays, and ultimately, reimbursement.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hand hygiene is the single
most important practice in the reduction of the transmission of infection in healthcare settings.
This activity illustrates the importance of handwashing and highlights the importance of the
interprofessional team in educating patients about preventing infections and improving outcomes
by remembering to wash hands frequently.
Specifically, this study aims to identify the following:
• Identify the indications for handwashing.
• Describe the technique of handwashing in healthcare institutions.
• Explain how handwashing decreases risk of infection transmission.
• Outline interprofessional team strategies for enhancing care coordination and
communication to advance the prevention of infections and improve patient outcomes.
Hypothesis
Scope and delimitation
Significance of the Study
The results will be beneficial to the following:
The study of the effectiveness of hand hygiene in preventing healthcare-associated
infections (HAIs) holds significant significance in several ways:
1. Patient Safety: HAIs pose a major threat to patient safety, resulting in prolonged hospital
stays, increased morbidity and mortality rates, and added healthcare costs. Understanding the
effectiveness of hand hygiene can significantly contribute to reducing the incidence of HAIs,
promoting safer healthcare environments, and improving patient outcomes.
2. Infection Control Practices: Hand hygiene is a fundamental component of infection control
practices in healthcare facilities. By evaluating the effectiveness of hand hygiene interventions,
the study can inform healthcare providers and infection control teams on best practices, leading
to the development and implementation of evidence-based guidelines and protocols for hand
hygiene.
3. Healthcare Resource Optimization: HAIs contribute to increased healthcare costs due to
prolonged hospital stays, additional treatments, and potential complications. Studying the
effectiveness of hand hygiene interventions can help prevent infections, leading to cost savings
and efficient utilization of healthcare resources.
4. Staff and Patient Education: The study of hand hygiene effectiveness can raise awareness
among healthcare workers about the importance of proper hand hygiene practices. It can also
serve as a basis for educating staff on the correct techniques and compliance criteria for hand
hygiene, fostering a culture of patient safety and infection prevention.
5. Policy Development: The findings from the study can play a critical role in shaping
healthcare policies and guidelines related to hand hygiene practices, not only within individual
healthcare facilities but also at regional and national levels. This can lead to standardized
practices, enhanced monitoring systems, and improved accountability for hand hygiene in
healthcare settings.
6. Quality Improvement Initiatives: The study can contribute to quality improvement efforts
by identifying gaps and areas for improvement in hand hygiene practices. By targeting these
areas and implementing interventions based on the findings, healthcare facilities can enhance
overall patient safety, infection control, and the quality of care provided.
7. Public Health Impact: Effective hand hygiene practices go beyond healthcare facilities and
have broader implications for public health. Preventing HAIs through hand hygiene reduces the
transmission of pathogens into the community, protecting vulnerable populations and reducing
the burden on healthcare systems.
Conceptual Framework
Figure 1. Diagram showing the effectiveness of HAND HYGIENE and how to Prevent the diseases.
Figure 1 shows the effectiveness of Hand Hygiene and how to prevent it. By shows that it can
prevent the diseases by washing your hand thouroughly.
Definition of Terms
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