Hand hygiene is the single most effective action to prevent the transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
The 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene
- 1. Before touching a patient: To protect the patient from harmful germs carried on your hands.
- 2. Before clean/aseptic procedures: To prevent germs from entering the patient's body (e.g., placing IVs, catheterization).
- 3. After body fluid exposure risk: To protect yourself and the healthcare environment from patient pathogens.
- 4. After touching a patient: To protect yourself and the healthcare environment from colonization.
- 5. After touching patient surroundings: To protect yourself and clean hospital surfaces.
