Hand Hygiene March

We are improving! Good job! Our compliance has increased to 75% from 70% last month. Here is a reminder of hand washing protocol:

1. Alcohol-Based Sanitizer Protocol

A. When to de-germ hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizers:

• Before and after patient contact.
• After touching patient care equipment or environmental surfaces.
• Before performing invasive procedures.
• After removing gloves.

B. How to use the alcohol-based sanitizer:
Apply enough gel to entirely cover all surfaces of hands and fingers, including under the fingernails, (about 3ml, or one "pump" of the dispenser, or a golf ball sized amount of foam solution).
Spread the solution onto all hand surfaces (between fingers, backs of hands, thumbs, up to wrists).
Continue rubbing hands together until dry (approximately 15 seconds).

2. Hand Washing Protocol

A. When to wash hands with soap and water:

• At the start of a shift.
• If hands come in contact with blood or body fluids.
• When hands are visibly soiled.
• If hands are sticky after multiple applications of the alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  After caring for a patient who is on Contact Isolation for Clostridium difficile diarrhea, antiseptic soap (e.g., 2% chlorhexidine or its equivalent) and water.
• After using the bathroom.