HAND HYGIENE IN HOSPITALS: SIMPLE PRACTICE, HIGH-IMPACT RESULTS
Keywords:
Hand hygiene, Healthcare-associated infections, Patient safety, Ethics of care, PreventionAbstract
Introduction: Hand hygiene is the most effective measure in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAI). From Semmelweis' contributions to the international guidelines proposed by WHO, the importance of hand hygiene continues to be an essential pillar of patient safety, and its practice, the cornerstone for the prevention of HAI. However, adherence to compliance with hand hygiene by health personnel prevails in low figures, reporting between thirty and fifty percent compliance. Objective: To analyze compliance with hand hygiene in the health context, with emphasis on the implementation of multimodal strategies proposed by the WHO and PIHMA. Development: Studies on the effectiveness of hand hygiene practice were reviewed, showing the gaps that need to be addressed to improve HAI and adherence rates. WHO multimodal strategies have been shown to improve compliance through continuing education, feedback, and strengthening of the organizational climate. Likewise, the need to raise awareness among health personnel about the importance of hand hygiene as an ethical and humanistic act, which goes beyond regulatory compliance, is highlighted. Conclusion: The effectiveness of prevention programs depends not only on their institutional obligation, but also on the reflection and internalization of hand hygiene seen as a moral, professional, humanized and ethical responsibility that guarantees patient safety.
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