Introduction to Hand Hygiene in Healthcare

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect hundreds of millions of patients worldwide each year. Hand hygiene is the single most important measure to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that HAIs affect 7% of patients in developed countries and 10% in developing countries at any given time. Many of these infections are preventable through proper hand hygiene.

As a nurse, you are the frontline defense against infection transmission. Your hands come into contact with patients, equipment, and surfaces hundreds of times per shift. Each contact is an opportunity for pathogen transmission — or prevention.

Key statistics:

– Up to 80% of common infections are spread by hands

– Proper hand hygiene can reduce HAIs by 50%

– Healthcare workers touch an average of 20 surfaces before washing hands

– Compliance with hand hygiene protocols averages only 40% globally

This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to maintain excellent hand hygiene practices and protect your patients.