Infection prevention begins with one of the most basic, yet powerful, actions: hand hygiene. In every healthcare setting, from hospitals and clinics to aged care facilities, maintaining proper hand hygiene is crucial to reducing the spread of infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), effective hand hygiene can reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) by up to 50%.
By following WHO guidelines and using appropriate hygiene products, healthcare workers can protect both patients and themselves. Whether it’s soap, alcohol-based sanitiser, or moisturiser, each product plays a vital role in infection control and skin health.
Step 1: Start With Clean Hands
When hands are visibly dirty or contaminated, after using the restroom, before meals, or after direct contact with bodily fluids, soap and water are essential. In clinical environments, antimicrobial soap provides an added layer of protection by reducing the microbial load on the skin.
Step 2: Sanitise When Soap and Water Aren’t Available
In fast-paced healthcare settings, there’s not always time to get to a sink. That’s where alcohol-based hand sanitisers come in, perfect for use between patient interactions or when transitioning between different areas.
Step 3: Antiseptic Protection for Critical Moments
“Critical moments” refer to high-risk situations like ICU care, before invasive procedures, or when treating immunocompromised patients. In these instances, standard hygiene isn’t always enough, antiseptic rubs provide broad-spectrum protection when it’s needed most.
Step 4: Don’t Forget Skin Care
Frequent washing and sanitising can lead to dry, irritated skin, which not only affects comfort but can also compromise compliance. Healthy skin is more resilient and less prone to infection, making moisturising an essential part of any hand hygiene routine.
Building Better Habits, One Step at a Time
Consistent, high-quality hand hygiene doesn’t just happen – it’s built through routine, the right techniques, and effective products. By incorporating all four steps into your daily protocol, you can protect patients, uphold infection control standards, and support your own wellbeing as a healthcare professional.
SC Johnson Professionals trusted range of antimicrobial soaps, sanitisers, and skincare products makes it easier for healthcare professionals to maintain high standards of hygiene. Choosing reliable, high-quality solutions is a vital step in protecting patients, staff, and communities from the spread of infection.
