Did you know…. People have been conducting surgical
procedures on humans for literally thousands of years!
It wasn't until about 1850 that doctors realized going straight from an autopsy
to the maternity ward was not a good idea.
•
•
•
•
No masks
Only light came
from windows and
candles
Surgeons did not
often wash surgical
tools
NO
HANDWASHING!!!
Hand transmission
■ Hands are the most
common vehicle to
transmit health
care-associated
pathogens
■ What’s a pathogen?
The impact of HCAI - Health Care-associated
Infection
HCAI can cause:
■ more serious illness
■ prolongation of stay in a
health-care facility
■ long-term disability
■ excess deaths
■ high additional
financial burden
■ high personal costs on
patients and their families
A few Types of Bacteria spread by Direct
Contact that Cause Illness
E. Coli – Escherichia Coli – food poisoning
MRSA – Staphylococcus Aureus: Pneumonia, Flesh Eating Disease
Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Haemophilus Influenzae,
Moraxella Catarrhalis :
- Pink Eye
- UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
- Meningitis – Swelling of the brain
Handwashing vs Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is an alcohol-based substance that
does not include water. It only REDUCES the number
of microorganisms on your hands.
Handwashing, if done properly, can ELIMINATE
microorganisms on your hands.
Time constraint =
major obstacle for hand hygiene
Adequate handwashing with
water and soap requires
1 – 3 minutes
Average time usually adopted
by health-care workers:
<10 seconds
Alcohol-based
Hand rubbing: 20–30
seconds
Best Practices for Handwashing:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Time! Don’t rush!!! (1 – 3 minutes)
Warm/hot water
Use soap or a liquid antimicrobial agent
Use a brush or sponge
(See page 213 for specific guidelines)
ACTIVITY…. How would you rate your
handwashing skills?