Those who work in the health care field know that stopping the growth and the spread of germs is essential in preventing the transmission of illness. For many workers, hand washing techniques are implemented into their daily routine. Many workers are evaluated on the proper technique and way to wash their hands before and after being in close contact with a patient or a contaminated surface or substance. When health care workers do not wash their hands properly or thoroughly, they put other people at risk.
Risks
The risks involved with not using proper hand washing techniques is great. The spread of MRSA or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus commonly occurs when health care workers or others fail to wash their hands properly after an exposure. MRSA is a staph infection that typically invades a cut, sore or open wound in the skin. Once it does, it can begin to spread rapidly and create a large, open wound. MRSA is also resistant to common antibiotics, and it can be hard to treat in some people. MRSA can be deadly. The common cold and most strains of the flu virus are also contagious. Health care workers who fail to wash their hands after being in contact with an infected patient can easily spread germs to other patients or other people. Blood-borne contaminants from dirty needles or surfaces can also pose a risk if the worker doesn't dispose of and then wash her hands properly.
Reasons
There could be several reasons a heath care worker doesn't follow through with a proper hand-washing technique. The main reason could be lack of education. Although almost all medical personnel who have graduated from an accredited medical education program in the past 20 or more years have been taught to always wash their hands, many fail to follow through. Many physicians or nurses who feel comfortable with their patients may not always wash their hands after a close examination. This makes it very easy for them to transmit pathogens and germs to the next patient or person they come in contact with. Another reason could be failure to know that the patient is infected with a communicable disease or pathogen. Forgetfulness or lack of time management could also be reasons they don't wash their hands. Traveling or visiting physicians, nurses or home health aides who travel from home to home may not have access to proper germ eliminating soaps or water and may be unable to wash their hands properly.
Locations
There are several locations where health care workers are present that have to utilize proper hand-washing technique. The main location is in a hospital or nursing home setting. There are many medical personnel who work there--physicians, nurse and medical assistants. There are also many ill patients grouped together at one location; this increases the risk for transmission and infection if proper hand-washing techniques aren't established. Physician offices, blood banks, patient homes, dialysis centers and mobile X-ray departments are also locations in which all health care workers should wash hands to combat germs and infection.
Types of Workers
The main types of workers who should properly wash their hands after seeing or coming in contact with workers are nurses, physicians, nursing assistants, phlebotomists, medical assistants, volunteers, medical office and hospital staff workers and home health aides. Anyone who cares for a patient in a health care or related setting should keep germs off their hands.
Proper Hand-Washing Technique
Proper technique starts by recognizing that all surfaces are contaminated, including the faucets and the sink. Water should be turned on with a paper towel. Apply soap to hands, under fingernails and throughout the hands and fingers. Scrub vigorously and thoroughly. Rinse the hands and point the fingers down. Dry hands with a paper towel, and discard the towel. Use a clean paper towel to turn off the faucet.
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