Hand Hygiene

Most healthcare associated infections are thought to be transmitted by the hands of health care workers. It has long been known that hand hygiene among health care workers plays a central role in preventing the transmission of infectious agents. Hand washing is the most effective way of preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Hand hygiene is a core element of patient safety for the prevention of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) and spread of anti microbial resistance. Alcohol Based Hand Rub (ABHR) may be better than traditional hand washing as they require less time, acts faster, are less irritating, and contribute to sustained improvement in compliance associated with decreased infection rates.Hand hygiene is the most simple, most effective measure for preventing HAIs. Despite advances in infection control and hospital epidemiological, Semmelweis’ message is not consistently translated in to clinical practice, and HCWs adherence to recommended hand hygiene practice is unacceptably low. Compliance with hand hygiene recommendations is the most important measure in preventing health care-associated infections.