Hand hygiene: From semmelweis to present!

Abstract

Background: In the era of multidrug-resistant organisms and dearth of new antimicrobials, hand hygiene has become an important tool in reducing the burden of healthcare associated infections (HAIs). The content of this article is based on awareness and practice of hand hygiene among healthcare workers (HCWs). Objectives: Hand hygiene has emerged as one of the most important strategies to prevent HAIs. Hand hygiene practice has led to the decrease in infections. The present study was undertaken to assess the compliance among HCWs. Materials and Methods: Hand hygiene compliance and number of opportunities were evaluated for 2 years (2013 and 2014), and the data were compared. The study was carried out in the emergency department and critical care areas of our hospital. Results: It was found that the number of events monitored and compliance increased considerably in the subsequent year. The compliance rate on an average increased from 57.6% to 61.6%. Conclusions: The present results emphasise on the regular training and education of hand hygiene among HCWs. They should be made aware of the HAIs and that hand wash and hand rub help in decreasing the rate of HAIs.