Best 5 moments of hands hygiene

Explain 5 moments of hands hygiene, In this article we discuss about all the five moments of hand hygiene which is followed by all the hospitals of World.Short details about article also explained for hand hygiene.

The moment of hand hygiene is a concept that describes the specific time when health care workers (HCWs) should perform hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms that can cause infections. The concept was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) based on evidence and expert consensus. The WHO defines five moments of hand hygiene as follows:

Explain 5 moments of hands hygiene –

First part of Moments of hands hygiene –

Before touching a patient –

• This moment occurs when HCWs are about to touch a patient or perform any clinical procedure, such as taking vital signs, examining wounds, or inserting catheters. This moment aims to protect the patient from harmful germs that may be present on the HCW’s hands.

Second part of Moments of hands hygiene-

Before clean/aseptic procedures–

• This moment occurs when HCWs are about to perform any clean or aseptic procedure, such as preparing or administering injections, dressing wounds, or inserting intravenous lines. This moment aims to prevent the introduction of germs into sterile sites or equipment.

Third part of Moments of hands hygiene –

After body fluid exposure risk –

• This moment occurs when HCWs are exposed to any body fluid, such as blood, urine, saliva, or wound drainage. This moment aims to protect the HCW from acquiring germs from the patient and prevent cross-contamination to other patients or surfaces.

Fourth part of moments of hands hygiene-

After touching a patient–

• This moment occurs when HCWs touch a patient or perform any clinical procedure, such as removing catheters, taking vital signs, or examining wounds. This moment aims to remove any germs that may have been transferred from the patient to the HCW’s hands.

Fifth part of moments of hands hygiene –

After touching patient surroundings–

• This moment occurs when HCWs touch any object or surface in the patient’s immediate environment, such as bed rails, tables, curtains, or medical equipment. This moment aims to remove any germs that may have been transferred from the patient or the environment to the HCW’s hands.

The five moments of hands hygiene are applicable in all health care settings, including hospitals, clinics, ambulatory care, home care, and long-term care facilities. They are also relevant for all types of health care workers, such as doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and support staff.

The five moments of hands hygiene are based on the principle that HCWs’ hands are the most common vehicle for the transmission of health care-associated infections (HAIs). HAIs are infections that patients acquire during or after receiving health care for other conditions. HAIs can cause serious complications, such as sepsis, organ failure, disability, or death. HAIs can also increase the length of hospital stay, the cost of treatment, and the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

According to the WHO⁴, hand hygiene is one of the most effective measures to prevent HAIs and improve patient safety and quality of care. Hand hygiene can reduce the transmission of microorganisms (including those that are antibiotic-resistant), increase patient satisfaction, and decrease health care costs.

To perform hands hygiene correctly, HCWs should follow these steps :

• Wet hands with clean running water (warm or cold).
• Apply enough soap to cover all surfaces of hands and wrists.
• Lather and rub hands together briskly and thoroughly.
• Make sure to scrub all surfaces of hands, fingertips, fingernails, and wrists.
• Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse hands well under clean running water.
• Dry hands with a clean towel or an air dryer.
• Use a towel to turn off the faucet.

Alternatively, HCWs can use an alcohol-based hand rub (containing at least 60% alcohol) to clean their hands when soap and water are not available² . Alcohol-based hand rubs can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations. However, they do not eliminate all types of germs and they may not be effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

To use an alcohol-based hand rub correctly, HCWs should follow these steps :

• Apply enough product to cover all surfaces of hands and wrists.
• Rub hands together briskly and thoroughly.
• Make sure to cover all surfaces of hands, fingertips, fingernails, and wrists.
• Rub hands until they are dry.

Hand hygiene should be performed at each of the five moments described above. However, there may be some situations where additional hand hygiene is required². For example:

• Before putting on gloves and after removing them
• Before and after handling specimens
• After touching contaminated items
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing nose
• Before eating or drinking
• After using the toilet

Hand hygiene is a simple, low-cost, and effective intervention that can save lives and improve health outcomes. However, studies have shown that HCWs do not always comply with hand hygiene guidelines. Some of the common barriers to hand hygiene compliance include:

• Lack of time or workload pressure
• Lack of access to hand hygiene facilities or supplies
• Lack of awareness or knowledge of the guidelines
• Lack of feedback or reminders
• Lack of role models or leadership support
• Lack of motivation or perceived benefit
• Skin irritation or dryness
• Cultural or social norms

To overcome these barriers and improve hand hygiene compliance, various strategies have been proposed and implemented. Some of these strategies include:

• Providing adequate and accessible hand hygiene facilities and supplies
• Educating and training HCWs on the importance and technique of hand hygiene
• Monitoring and auditing hand hygiene performance and providing feedback
• Implementing reminders and prompts in the workplace
• Creating a positive organizational culture and engaging HCWs in improvement initiatives
• Recognizing and rewarding good hand hygiene practices
• Addressing skin care issues and providing moisturizers
• Involving patients and visitors in hand hygiene promotion

The moment of hand hygiene is a key concept that guides HCWs to perform hand hygiene at the right time and in the right way. By following the five moments of hand hygiene, HCWs can prevent the transmission of microorganisms that can cause HAIs and improve patient safety and quality of care. Hand hygiene is a simple, low-cost, and effective intervention that can save lives and improve health outcomes.

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