As fall turns into winter, germs spread easier. This is because people often touch their eyes, mouth, ears, or nose, whether they realize it or not.
Germs from hands that are not washed can easily get into drinks and foods as people prepare or consume them. Germs multiply in some drinks and food and can make people sick. These germs can also transfer from object to object.
A way to stop the spread of germs is with proper handwashing. And with this week (Dec. 7-13) being National Handwashing Awareness Week, there is no better time to refresh your handwashing awareness. The Midwest QIN-QIO has resources available to build awareness of how staff in healthcare settings should clean their hands.
Midwest QIN-QIO Handwashing resources
One of the Midwest QIN-QIO focuses on the 13th scope of work is infection prevention. The Midwest QIN-QIO has created materials such as Hand Hygiene signage and a Hand Washing Surveillance sheet to be sure health care facilities, including residents, and staff members are following proper handwashing procedure.
Here is a list of Midwest QIN-QIO resources regarding hand hygiene:
Hand Hygiene Surveillance: Follow this resource to establish proper hand washing techniques using soap and water, as well as hand sanitizer. This hand washing surveillance resource also guides you in how to be sure that your staff is following hand hygiene procedures as well. Follow this resource to be sure you are following Hand Hygiene procedures.
Resident Hand Hygiene Audits: In healthcare settings, hand hygiene materials should be offered before and after meals. This form has boxes you can check and a date line you can fill out to properly monitor when residents are using hand hygiene that is offered to them before and after each meal. Use this fillable form to register if a resident used proper hand hygiene before or after meals.
Hand Hygiene Checklist: Use this tool to conduct observation audits of hand hygiene and to track compliance. The tool includes a compliance calculator to get a compliance rate. Hand hygiene compliance is critical for infection prevention. Consider developing a hand hygiene quality improvement plan and use this tool to measure compliance rates over time and to track whether your quality improvement activity is working.
Hand Washing Reminder Signage: Washing your hands is easy, and it is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can help stop germs from spreading from one person to another and in our communities—including your home,workplace, schools, and childcare facilities. This printable signage serves as a quick and clear reminder on proper hand washing.
The World Health Organization designed the 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene approach to minimize the risk of transmission of microorganisms between a healthcare worker, the patient, and the environment. This printable flyer was adapted by Midwest QIN-QIO for nursing home staff and residents.
Handwashing Statistics and Reminders
Following these steps and resources can help stop the spread of germs across all settings.
According to the Center for Disease Control, handwashing education can:
- Reduce the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by 23-40 percent
- Reduces diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune systems by 58 percent
- Reduces respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16-21 percent
- Reduces absenteeism due to gastrointestinal illness in schoolchildren by 29-57 percent
The CDC describes proper handwashing as:
- Wetting your hands with clean, running water, and applying soap
- Lathering your hands (front and back) with soap
- Scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds
- Rinsing your hands under clean, running water
- Drying your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer
Have a question about hand hygiene?
Reach out to Midwest QIN-QIO at contact@midwestqinqio.com, or visit the contact us page on our website.
Resources