HANDHYGIENEThe 4 Moments: before initial resident contact, before aseptic procedure, after body fluid exposure risk, after resident contact. Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) preferred unless hands visibly soiled. Compliance audited monthly per IPAC standards.
ABHRAlcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene. Apply 1-2 pumps, rub all surfaces 15-20 seconds until dry. More effective than soap except when hands visibly soiled or after C. difficile care.
COMPLIANCEAdherence to policies, procedures, standards, regulations. Monitored through audits, observations, reviews. Non-compliance addressed through education, process improvement. Essential for accreditation.
MOMENTSThe 4 Moments for Hand Hygiene per IC-200-2: (1) Before initial client/resident contact, (2) Before aseptic procedure, (3) After body fluid exposure risk, (4) After client/resident or environmental contact. Standard framework for hand hygiene compliance.
ASEPTICAseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT) per IC-250-1 maintains sterile fields by performing hand hygiene before/after procedures, using appropriate PPE, not contaminating sterile supplies, managing invasive devices properly, and being aware of potential contamination sources.
CONTAMINATIONIntroduction of harmful microorganisms. Prevented through hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, proper equipment handling, and following transmission-based precautions. If sterile field contaminated, stop immediately, discard supplies, perform hand hygiene, set up new field.
AUDITSSystematic evaluation against standards, policies, best practices. Methods include observation, record review, interviews. Results identify gaps, inform improvement. Regular monitoring ensures adherence. Documentation demonstrates accountability.
PROCEDUREFormal documents guiding practice. Development includes evidence review, stakeholder input, approval process. Implementation requires communication, training, resources. Regular review ensures currency. Accessible to staff for reference.
SOAPWATERSoap and water hand hygiene performed for 40-60 seconds when hands visibly soiled, after caring for clients with C. difficile, or when ABHR unavailable. Wet hands, apply soap, lather all surfaces, rinse thoroughly, dry completely with paper towel.
SURFACESHand surfaces must be cleaned thoroughly during hand hygiene: palms, backs of hands, between fingers, thumbs, fingertips, wrists. Environmental surfaces cleaned high-touch areas frequently (bed rails, call bells, door handles) using appropriate disinfectants with proper contact time.
