Unit 4 assignment 1: modes of action Laura Pasnicki Microbiology

Hand washing with Germy

Resident Organisms-natural within the body; skin/hair follicles Permanent flora Reestablish themselves Not removed by hand washing Normally not associated with transmission of infection Skin flora Transient Organisms- acquired from patient environment Superficial layers of skin Temporary flora Does not reestablish Easily removed by hand washing Associated with transmission of infection

Importance of hand hygiene An infection occurring in patient during hospital which was not present upon admission Infection acquired after discharge; and also occupational infections among health care workers Nosocomial/hospital infection On average a patient spends 11 days or longer in hospital if they acquire health care associated infection HCAI are costly and one of the leading costs in hospitals r/t hospitalization

Why is hand washing so important? Importance of hand washing Hand washing prevents the spread of germs and bacteria Antibiotics do not kill germs on the hands. Hands are exposed the most and carry the most germs; then germs transmitted to eyes, mouth nose, or food then transferred into the body. Germs hide on all areas: remotes, door knobs, faucets, and so much more. Hand washing is a safeguard against infectious agents.

Antiseptics used in hand washing Alcohol-Based Products Gel: used in dispensers, no drip, amount is measured, individual bottles for personal use Foam: difficult to measure accurate amount for killing germs Rinse: may splash/drip, measurable amount Wipe: limited effect, single-use; convenient If not used properly alcohol-based products will not be effective in killing germs Alcohol in the sanitizer kills 60%-70% of germs

Addressing hand hygiene in the hospital setting There is a place and time to use soap and water and when to use alcohol-based gels. We need for everyone to know that germs can live on unwashed hands for hours. Although we may be in a rush and think our hands are not soiled 99% of the time they are soiled and should be washed instead of using an alcohol-based gel. It is important that we understand the mode of transmission

Hand hygiene Alcohol-Based Rub Washing With Soap/Water Requires less time Acts quickly to kill microorganisms More accessible Less irritating to skin Can improve skin condition Apply rub to palm of one hand Rub hands together covering all areas hands/fingers Rub hands together until dry Washing With Soap/Water Interrupts the spread of disease Wash hands with soap/water for 20- 30 seconds singing “happy birthday” Remove any jewelry before washing Wash hands up above wrists and rinse downward removing dirt away from body

Target reasons Understand why healthcare workers MUST NOT exercise poor hygiene: Poor personal hygiene Ear jewelry Wear artificial/ have long nails Why Nails can puncture gloves Can get caught in objects Poor personal hygiene can be a breeding ground for microorganisms/fungi

How we will improve our hand hygiene #’s Real time location Motion sensors when entering and leaving rooms Monitoring hand gel/soap dispensers when entering and leaving rooms These will give us estimate numbers of hand hygiene and show us where we need to improve 5 moments for hand hygiene Before touching a patient Before clean/aseptic procedure After body fluid exposure risk After touching a patient After touching patient surroundings

references Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings. (2015, January 8). Retrieved February 23, 2015, from http://www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/ Adult health. (2015, January 1). Retrieved February 23, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/hand-washing/art-20046253