A lack of hand hygiene compliance by healthcare staff continues to contribute significantly to the spread of pathogens, resulting in HAIs.
Hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics and other healthcare service providers emphasize hand hygiene as the primary way to prevent infection. However, low compliance and increased risk of infection occurs due to:
- Lack of available hand hygiene products at every point of care
- Dry, chapped and irritated skin
- Patient care priorities and emergencies
- Time constraints
It has been estimated that at least 20% of HAIs are preventable. Healthcare workers and patients can work to reduce the number of preventable HAIs by following these guidelines:
- Following good hand hygiene technique
- Providing education for healthcare workers and patients on hand hygiene
Hand hygiene is one of the most cost-effective measures healthcare workers can take to reduce the incidence of HAIs.
1 Kelly W.J. et. Al; AJIC 2016
