Hand Hygiene And Patient Safety

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Recommended: Recent literature review on hand Hygiene

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a major threat to patient safety at a global level. Hand hygiene is a most important measure that reduces hospital-acquired infections and improves patient safety (World Health Organisation, 2009). Although many hand hygiene initiatives, programs, policies and evidence-based guidelines are developed worldwide, some programs are facing challenges regarding compliance. For example, the “Bare Below the Elbow (BBE)” policy in the United Kingdom, imposes various restrictions on clothing and accessories for healthcare workers (HCWs) during their clinical activity. This essay will use current literature regarding the BBE policy and argue that BBE improves hand hygiene, which is essential for good infection control practice. This is demonstrated by five randomised, controlled studies that evaluate bacterial transmission, handwashing efficacy and patient perception regarding BBE attire.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have become a serious problem for patient safety worldwide, and their prevention is a high priority (World Health Organisation, 2009). Because of the severity of the problem, many hand hygiene guidelines and compliance initiatives have been promoted by large organisations such as the World Health Organisations(WHO) (Hand Hygiene Australia, 2013 ). Numerous studies have proved that HAIs are often transmitted via the hands of HCWs, therefore hand hygiene is paramount, and it is believed to be the most important measure for preventing HAIs (World Health Organisation, 2009).In September 2007, " Uniforms and Workwear : An Evidence Base for Local Guidelines” was introduced by the Department of Health in the UK. (Department of Health, 2007). It is now well known as the BBE guideli...

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...source of infection could be an another suggestion (Weber et al., 2012).

In conclusion, good hand hygiene is paramount for infection control. Simple handwashing reduces the risk of transmission regardless of clothing. It was found that although there is no solid evidence to clearly demonstrate the link between BBE to HAIs transmission. The benefits of BBE were demonstrated in improving effectiveness of handwashing and lower the risk of hand contamination. This was found to more focus than attire in order to reduce the occurrence of HAIs. Having a good professional image and clear identification are also important for patient safety, and additional consideration is required without compromising other infection control strategies. Therefore further study and evidence are needed to promote appropriate policies and improve HCW’s adherence to good hand hygiene.

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