Infection control audit of hand hygiene facilities

Cochrane, Joan (2003) Infection control audit of hand hygiene facilities. Nursing Standard, 17 (18). pp. 33-38. ISSN 0029-6570

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Abstract

The socio-economic costs of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) are continually rising. The focus for reducing the incidence of HCAIs should be on maintaining a microbiologically safe environment. Hand hygiene is of paramount importance in preventing the transmission of infection, as it is a low-tech, low-cost, effective intervention. Hand hygiene is as important in the non-acute care setting as in the acute setting, as community or non-acute patients are often admitted to acute facilities.

Conclusion
This audit, conducted in 2000-2001, examined hand hygiene facilities at one non-acute trust. The results confirmed that although handwashing is considered the most important factor in preventing the spread of infection, it cannot always be carried out successfully if facilities are inadequate. Recommendations were made that will encourage safe practice, improve service delivery and raise clinical standards.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	B700 Nursing
Department:	Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Nursing, Midwifery and Health
Related URLs:	Publisher
Depositing User:	Ay Okpokam
Date Deposited:	30 Oct 2012 15:34
Last Modified:	12 Oct 2019 15:26
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/10119

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