Articles

Three Quarters of Health Care Professionals do not Wash Hands Correctly

01/09/2016

A recent study has shown that 78% of over 5000 participants within the health care sector have not washed their hands properly, according to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). The risks of this are particularly pertinent when it comes to caring for elderly people, who are more easily prone to infection than others.

The results of the study were presented at the 2016 conference and were found by undercover volunteers who monitored the hygiene of care workers and health professionals.  Despite the emphasis on cleanliness within the profession it was found that over 4000 cases where employees entered or exited a room without washing their hands.

It was found that 78 percent of them didn’t wash their hands according to the standards stipulated by the World Health Organization in order to reduce the risk of spreading infection to patients.

The criteria of successful hand washing include using soap, washing all surfaces of your hands for between 15 to 20 seconds, thoroughly drying your hands, and turning the tap off with a towel to avoid touching the germ infested surface. 

Most notable mistakes made were merely washing the palms of the hands, not washing them long enough or not using a paper towel to turn off the tap. Some people forgot to wash their hands at all. Considering the nature of care work, where most carers will be exposed to a large amount of germs this issue is critical in order to protect both the carer and the person or people who are being cared for.

Research suggests that the exhausting nature of the profession is the cause of the issue rather than outright negligence. Perhaps understandably, A 2014 University of Pennsylvania study found that health workers washed their hands less when their workloads became more intense and toward the end of their shifts, when they are mentally drained.

It is important to adhere to these basic hygiene principles, and to get into the habit of washing hands the correct way every time you go through a door to and from the patient.

Notable things to consider when washing your hands:

• Hot and cold water make no difference- bacteria need extremely high temperatures to be affected. Instead, use an antibacterial handwash.
• For those constantly on the move an antibacterial gel (sanitiser) could be a good option as this takes less time and is possible to use without standing in front of a sink.
• Lather the soap or handwash up all over your hands- a simple rub will not have the same results.
• 20 seconds is the recommended time frame for a good wash.