Systematic Change in Hand Hygiene at the Point of Care - Research Paper Example

This can be achieved through staff education on hand hygiene protocol as set forth by Veterans Health Administration's Hand Hygiene Directive, which is based on the hand hygiene recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). This is an evidence-based project to determine the knowledge base of RNs, LPNs and NA prior to each Clinical Focus Session. The theory that hand washing with soap and water will prevent the spread of HAIs, especially Clostridium Difficile, which are frequently found in “hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities and nurseries for newborn infants” (Lee, 2011).

Introduction: There is a controversy regarding the ability of water and soap as compared to alcohol hand rubs or “alcohol sanitizers” (Mayankj, 2010). While most people use soap and water to clean their hands, it is often felt that water alone cannot do the trick of destroying germs. Again, in places where water is scarce and not freely available, it is necessary to clean hands using alcohol sanitisers. The main advantages of these are that they are convenient to carry, are more effective than soap and water, and do the job of destroying germs faster than conventional soap and water.

Besides, these are known to have the potential to “act quickly to kill microorganisms on hands and.. do not promote antimicrobial resistance” (Alcohol-Based Handrubs: Easy as 1, 2, 3, 2010). Literature Review: Studies were conducted through a prospective multicenter study “to assess the dryness and irritation of the hands in health care facilities, and to evaluate whether that disinfection with an alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) is better tolerated than classic hand washing with mild soap and water.

Our study was conducted in 9 sites in the summer and winter. A team of investigators evaluated dryness and irritation. This study takes into account most of the individual and environmental risk factors (age, sex, use of a protective agent, constitutional factors, personal factors, external factors, institution, function, and number of consecutive working days)” (Chamorey, et al, 2010). 1. According to the Veterans Health Administration’s hand hygiene directive, that is the VHA Directive 2005/2 on hand hygiene practices, it is necessary to ” Use an alcohol-based hand rub or antimicrobial soap to routinely decontaminate their hands before and after having direct contact with a patient.

” This is in order to avoid the chances of catching infection through patients. The VHA has also recommended that portable hand rubs be readily available for use. (VHA Hand Hygiene Information and Tools, 2009). 2. The WHO guidelines on hand hygiene in health care provide health-care workers (HCWs), hospital administrators and health authorities with a thorough review of evidence on hand hygiene in health care and also endorse specific recommendations to improve practices and reduce transmission of pathogenic microorganisms to patients and HCWs.

The present guidelines are intended to be implemented in any situation in which health-care is delivered either to a patient or to a specific