Marie St. Rose
Norfolk State University, USA
Title: Effectiveness of alcohol-based hand rub in the healthcare setting
Biography
Biography: Marie St. Rose
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: For many decades, It is generally known and accepted that hand hygiene is the best technique to control the transmission of healthcare associated pathogens. Yet, compliance is a continuous challenge in the healthcare settings. Traditionally, handwashing was the norm for practicing hand hygiene. Over the years, alternative methods have been recommended and implemented. One such method is alcohol-based hand rubs. The purpose of this article was to review the literature to find reports and randomized trials related to the eff ectiveness of alcohol-based hand rub in the healthcare setting.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar.
Findings: In its report in 2009 titled First Global Patient Safety Challenge Clean Care is Safer Care, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that alcohol-based hand rub is the gold standard for hand hygiene in healthcare, encouraging its use worldwide. This recommendation was based on five factors, including evidenced-based information, suitability of its use, capacity to promote compliance, economic benefit, and minimization of risks. Results from randomized trials from 2014 to 2018 indicated that alcohol based hand rub is effective in reducing healthcare associated pathogens. Some challenges exist that may warrant further research.
Conclusion & Significance: An opportunity exists for infusing alcohol- based hand rub training into the curriculum content of health science programs. This initiative has the potential to increase compliance as healthcare workers enter their careers in various
healthcare settings.