Handwashing and infection control

• What is the primary objective of the handwashing & infection control interactive workbook?

  To understand the basic principles of infection control
• What is infection prevention and control (IPC)?

  IPC is an evidence-based approach to prevent avoidable infections in patients and health workers
• Who are the stakeholders involved in effective IPC?

  Policymakers, facility managers, health workers, and those accessing health services
• Why is hand hygiene important?

  It helps keep you healthy and prevents the spread of infections
• What are the basic principles for infection prevention and control?

  Standard precautions and isolation precautions
• What is the role of hand hygiene in infection control?

  It is a primary measure for reducing the risk of transmitting infection
• What are the 5 moments of hand hygiene?

  1. Before touching a patient
  2. Before clean/aseptic procedures
  3. After body fluid exposure/risk
  4. After touching a patient
  5. After touching patient surroundings
• How long should you wash your hands?

  At least 15 seconds
• What is the preferred method of hand hygiene when hands are not visibly soiled?

  An alcohol-based hand rub is preferred
• What bodily fluids are healthcare professionals exposed to?

  Blood, sputum, vomit, urine, faeces, semen, vaginal secretions, wounds exudate, bile, saliva, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, amniotic fluid
• What is the chain of infection?

  A series of events that allows germs to cause infections
• What are the links in the chain of infection?

  1. Infectious agent (pathogen)
  2. Reservoir
  3. Portal of exit
  4. Mode of transmission
  5. Portal of entry
  6. Susceptible host
• What are the modes of transmission for microorganisms?

  Airborne, environment, droplet, contact
• What is a nosocomial infection?

  Infections acquired while receiving healthcare for medical or surgical conditions
• How long after hospital admission can an infection be classified as an HCAI or HAI?

  Up to 48 hours
• What is the percentage of patients that contract an HCAI or HAI?

  About 10%
• What are common infections related to invasive devices or surgical procedures?

  • Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTI)
  • Central line-associated bloodstream infection
  • Surgical site infection
  • Ventilator-associated events
• What are common infections related to ineffective hand hygiene?

  • Bacteremia
  • Gram-negative bacteria
  • Clostridium difficile infection (C-diff)
  • Escherichia coli (E. coli)
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Klebsiella species
• What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

  Equipment intended to protect against risks to infections, health, and safety
• What are the two types of isolation nursing?

  Source isolation and protective isolation
• What is Clostridium difficile (C-diff)?

  A bacterium that infects the bowel and causes severe diarrhea
• How is C-diff transmitted?

  Via the fecal-oral route
• What is the aim of Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT)?

  To minimize the introduction of microorganisms during clinical procedures
• What are the types of ANTT?

  • Standard ANTT
  • Surgical ANTT
• What is the purpose of cleaning and disinfection in healthcare?

  To remove dangerous substances, germs, or harmful pathogens from surfaces and equipment
• What are the three levels of decontamination?

  Sterile, sterilized, or high-level disinfection and clean
• What does waste disposal refer to in healthcare?

  Waste produced because of healthcare activities
• What are the categories of laundry in healthcare?

  • Used linen
  • Soiled or foul linen
  • Infected linen
  • Other types of laundry (theatre scrubs or theatre linen)
• What is the definition of 'sharps' in healthcare?

  Needles, blades, and other medical instruments that could cause injury
• What should you do if you pierce your skin with a sharp?

  Encourage the wound to bleed and wash it with running water and soap
• What should you do after washing a wound from a sharp injury?

  Cover it with a waterproof plaster or dressing
• When should you seek medical advice after a sharp injury?

  If you may need treatment to reduce the risk of infection
• Who should you contact if you injure yourself at work?

  Your employer’s Occupational Health service
• What is the importance of handwashing in infection control?

  It is the most important, fundamental principle of infection control
• How should you dry your hands after washing them?

  Dry them for at least 15 seconds
• What is the recommended method for rinsing off soap during handwashing?

  Use clean, preferably running water
• What is the significance of using soap or cleanser during handwashing?

  It helps to remove germs and contaminants from hands
• What is the correct order of steps for washing hands?

  Wet hands, apply soap, rub palm to palm, rub back of hands, interlock fingers, rub thumbs, rinse, and dry
• Why is it important to break a link in the chain of infection?

  To stop infection from arising
• What is the role of employers regarding PPE?

  Employers must assess risks and implement measures to prevent or control exposure