Nosocomial Infection ◦ an infection acquired during hospitalization also called hospital acquired infection

Stop the Cycle of Nosocomial

Infections

Nosocomial Infection◦ an infection acquired during hospitalization

also called hospital acquired infection

The Problem

http://www.cdc.gov/HandHygiene/download/hand_hygiene_core.pdf

According to the CDC in 2002, there were approximately 1.7 MILLION healthcare acquired infections with 99,000 DEATHS

Nosocomial infections

Not washing hands properly◦ Handwashing is the number one prevention

measure for the spread of disease Reports show that healthcare workers wash

their hands about half as often as they should!

The Cause


Healthcare workers can get hundreds or thousands of bacteria on their hands by doing simple tasks such as:◦ pulling patients up in bed◦ taking a blood pressure or pulse◦ touching a patient’s hand◦ rolling patient’s over in bed◦ touching the patients gown or bed sheets◦ touching equipment like bedside rails, over-bed

tables and IV pumps

Where they come from

Many health care workers find themselves not washing their hands appropriately

Reasons include:◦ Handwashing causes irritation or dryness◦ Too busy, takes too long◦ Sinks are inconveniently located◦ No paper towels or soap◦ Patient is waiting and they are priority◦ Short staffed◦ Hands don’t look dirty

Excuses Excuses


The CDC reports that in 2007 the annual medical costs of healthcare acquired infections of U.S. hospitals to be between $28-45 BILLION dollars

The Impact


Wash your hands! Don’t forget the specifics:

◦ Roll up sleeves, remove watch and/or rings◦ Wash all surfaces of hands paying close attention to

the fingernails, wash for 15-30 seconds using friction to maintain a good lather.

◦ Keep wrists lower than elbows and fingertips pointed downward throughout procedure

◦ Include the area 2-3 inches above the wrist◦ Keep body away from sink to prevent germs and water

from getting on uniform ◦ Rinse thoroughly!◦ Turn off faucet using a clean paper towel◦ Dry hands thoroughly and moisturize

The Solution


If hands are not visibly soiled or contaminated you may use an alcohol-based handrub for routinely cleaning your hands:

.org

Other options

Hand Hygiene Resource Center: www.handhygiene.org

• Apply alcohol gel or foam to the palm of one hand, and rub hands together, covering all surfaces of hands, wrists, and fingers

• Include areas around/under fingernails• Continue rubbing until alcohol dries• It should take at least 10 -15 seconds of

rubbing before your hands feel dry

Hand Hygiene Resource Center: www.handhygiene.org

How to use alcohol-based handrub

http://www.handhygiene.org/

• After cleaning your hands several times with an alcohol-based handrub, if you feel a “build-up” , wash your hands with soap and water.

• Be sure the alcohol has completely dried before putting applying gloves.

More tips

◦ Before: Beginning your shift Eating/drinking Patient contact and patient procedures Handling clean equipment/linens Donning gloves Inserting invasive devices

When to wash?

◦ After: Hands are visibly soiled Picking something up off of floor Contact with patient’s skin Contact with body fluids or excretions, non intact

skin, or wound dressings Contact with patient equipment Contact with dirty equipment/linens Handling laboratory specimens Coughing, sneezing or touching own face Removing gloves Shift is completed

When to wash

Patients already have enough worries when they come to a healthcare facility.

Take away the extra worry of spreading infections by just taking the time to wash your hands.

Protect yourself and your family.

And wash them often!

Why risk it?

Make a difference

Documents

Nosocomial Infection ◦ an infection acquired during hospitalization also called hospital acquired infection