Essay On Hand Hygiene

Introduction

An infection control policy is a set of standardized procedures that are implemented to reduce and, where possible, eliminate the transmission of microorganisms and especially pathogens from sources both known and unknown1. These precautions should be applied in the consultation and treatment of each patient in order to insure the safety of patients, clinicians, as well as others present within the environment, namely the University of Johannesburg Podiatry Clinic and its associated areas1.

Hand Hygiene

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the major route of pathogen transmission in health care is via direct contact2. Therefore, washing of the hands and practicing good hand hygiene is considered to be the most efficient means of preventing the transmission of pathogens3. There are two prescribed means of maintaining hand hygiene1. The first is the use of alcohol-based hand rub solution if the hands are not visibly soiled and the second is washing the hands with soap and water1,4. This is required if the hands are visibly soiled, contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids, and after using the restroom. Additionally, hands must be washed if there has been exposure to spore-forming microorganisms and pathogens1.

Hands should be washed or disinfected in these instances1,2,3,4:

• Before wearing and after removing personal protective equipment e.g. gloves and masks

• Before and after direct contact with each patient

• Before an aseptic procedure

• After exposure to bodily fluids such as exudate or blood

• After physical contact with soiled dressings

• Whenever hands become noticeably contaminated

• After contact with the clinical environment

• Wash hands between performing different tasks on the same patie...

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...y, and it is important that care is taken to ensure bodily fluids, blood, excretions, etc. are not brought into contact with skin, mucous membranes, clothing, and the treatment area4. Additionally, all reusable equipment should be sterilized before reuse1,4.

Equipment such as nail drills should be maintained as recommended by the manufacturer, and the dust bag should be changed regularly whilst wearing PPE (gloves, mask, and protective clothing)3.

Conclusion

Infection control plays a key role in the treatment of patients as it prevents the transmission of microorganisms from patient to clinician, clinician to patient, patient to patient, and clinician to clinician. It ensures the safety of all those involved in the treatment of the patients, and all of the discussed points are relatively simple to implement in the podiatry clinic at the University of Johannesburg.