When and why is handwashing important to patient care?

When is handwashing important to patient care?

Handwashing is important to patient care whenever there is a risk of transmitting infection. Examples of high-risk situations include:

* When moving between patients

* Before and after touching a patient

* After touching or handling wound dressing, bodily fluids or devices

* After handling medical or nursing equipment

* Before administering medications

* Before changing catheters or IV's

* Before inserting or removing invasive lines

* Before and after handling waste or cleaning surfaces

* After leaving the patient's room

Why is handwashing important to patient care?

Handwashing removes dirt and microbes that can cause infection or disease. It can help prevent the spread of infection from one patient to another, from healthcare workers to patients, and from patients to healthcare workers.

Handwashing is an essential component of infection prevention and control and is widely recognized as one of the most important measures to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAI).