Download Hand hygiene - Women`s and Children`s Hospital

Hand hygiene
Jodie Burr
Infection Control Coordinator
Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Hand Hygiene
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
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The single most effective method in
the prevention of disease transmission
80 % hospital acquired infections are
thought to be transmitted by hands
Healthcare workers think they wash
their hands more than what they do
Reasons for poor
compliance

heavy workloads (too busy)

sinks are poorly located

skin irritation caused by frequent
exposure to soap and water

hands don’t look dirty

hand washing takes too long
Improving compliance
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Introduction of Aqium
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For all clinical areas throughout hospital
For all staff that have patient contact
Already used within other South Australian
hospitals
Advantages of alcohol
based hand gel

takes less time to use than water

is more accessible than sinks

cause less skin irritation and dryness


is effective in reducing the number
of bacteria on hands
has led to improved hand hygiene
practices
When to use soap and
water vs Aqium
Soap and water
 When hands are visibly soiled /
contaminated

After contact with body fluids / mucous
membranes
Aqium
 When hands are NOT visibly soiled /
contaminated:

Clean procedures
How to use Aqium
Dispense gel onto palm without
touching the nozzle
Rub hands together
Ensure gel is distributed over all
surfaces, including:
•Fingers
•Thumbs
•Back of hands
•Finger tips
•Between thumbs and fingers
Allow gel to dry prior to
touching anything
Tips for using Aqium
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If after cleaning your hands 5 to
10 times with an alcohol-based
handrub, you feel a “build-up” of
emollients on your hands, wash
your hands with soap and water.
If you clean your hands with an
alcohol-based handrub before
putting on gloves, make sure the
alcohol has dried completely
before putting on gloves.