Handwashing has long been a cornerstone of infection prevention in healthcare, dating back to the era of Florence Nightingale. However, it has never been as critical to public awareness as it is today. For healthcare professionals, proper hand hygiene is one of the simplest yet most essential actions to protect patients, colleagues, and themselves from the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) reports that one in 16 people receiving treatment through the NHS acquires a healthcare-associated infection. Whether you're working in a hospital or providing care in the community, following a rigorous hand-washing routine is crucial. Here’s our seven-step guide to ensure your hands are thoroughly cleaned and safe.
Preparing to Wash Your Hands
Before you begin, remove any rings, watches, or other jewellery, as bacteria can easily hide underneath. Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply soap to your cupped hands, keeping the tap running. A thorough handwashing process should take between 40-60 seconds.
The Seven-Step Hand Washing Guide
Rub your palms together
Begin by rubbing your palms together to create a good lather.Rub the backs of both hands
Rub the back of each hand with the opposite palm, ensuring full coverage.Interlace your fingers
Interlace your fingers and rub your palms together to clean between them.Interlock and rub the backs of your fingers
Interlock your fingers and rub the backs of your fingers with the opposite palms.Rub your thumbs in a rotating manner
Clean your thumbs by rotating each thumb in the opposite palm.Rub your fingertips on your palms
Rub the fingertips of each hand on the opposite palm to clean under the nails.Rub both wrists in a rotating manner
Finally, rub each wrist with the opposite hand.
After completing these steps, dry your hands with a disposable paper towel and use the towel to turn off the tap. Now your hands are thoroughly cleaned and free from bacteria and viruses.
When Soap and Water Aren’t Available
While washing with soap and water is ideal, there may be situations where running water isn’t available. In these cases, alcohol-based hand rubs, gels, or foams can be used. Be sure to follow the same steps outlined above to ensure effective hand hygiene.
When Should You Perform Hand Hygiene?
Hand hygiene is necessary in various situations, including:
Before and after patient contact
Before and after donning personal protective equipment (PPE)
After touching patient surroundings or belongings
Before serving or consuming food and drinks
After using the toilet
After coughing or sneezing
After handling disposable tissues
When starting or ending your workday, or returning from breaks
Caring for Your Skin
Frequent handwashing is essential but can be harsh on your skin. Dry, irritated skin can harbour bacteria and cause discomfort. To protect your skin, regularly apply hand cream to prevent dryness and irritation.
At Medical Staffing, we prioritise the health and safety of both our healthcare professionals and the patients they care for. By adhering to these handwashing guidelines, you are taking a vital step in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone.