May 5, 2023
Hand hygiene is one of the most fundamental practices in healthcare, and yet it is also one of the most overlooked. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare facilities. In fact, studies have shown that proper hand hygiene can reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections by up to 50%.
St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children understands the importance of hand hygiene in ensuring patient safety. We recognize that our patients are among the most vulnerable members of our community, and we have a responsibility to provide them with the highest quality of care possible. As part of our commitment to patient safety, we use an electronic hand hygiene monitoring system to capture our hand hygiene compliance and follow the WHO 5 moments of hand hygiene.
The WHO 5 moments of hand hygiene are a set of guidelines that outline the appropriate times for healthcare workers to perform hand hygiene. These moments include:
- Before patient contact
- Before aseptic procedures
- After exposure to body fluids
- After patient contact
- After contact with patient surroundings
By following these guidelines, healthcare workers can help prevent the spread of infections and reduce the risk of harm to patients.
At St. Mary’s, we take our commitment to hand hygiene seriously. Our electronic hand hygiene monitoring system allows us to track compliance in real-time, providing us with valuable data that we can use to identify areas for improvement. We also provide ongoing education and training to our staff to ensure that they are familiar with the WHO’s 5 moments of hand hygiene and understand the importance of this practice in preventing healthcare-associated infections.
In honor of World Hand Hygiene Day, which is observed annually on May 5th, we want to encourage everyone to take hand hygiene seriously. Whether you are a healthcare worker, a patient, or a member of the community, proper hand hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of infections. Remember to wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
At St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, we are proud to be part of a global effort to promote hand hygiene and improve patient safety. By working together, we can help prevent the spread of infections and protect the health of our communities.
