HAND WASHING

VS.
HAND SANITIZER

BY: CHANNING DERRICK, CLAUDIA ZUNDEL, LAURA KISS-ILLES, JEN VOGL
Nosocomial infection prevention
INTRODUCTION:
Hand Washing Alcohol-based rubs
PURPOSE: TO DETERMINE WHETHER HAND WASHING OR ALCOHOL BASED RUBS ARE
MORE EFFECTIVE AGAINST THE SPREAD OF NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS.
PICO
QUESTION:
For patients in an acute care,
Med/Surg hospital setting, are
alcohol based rubs more
effective for hand washing
than soap and water in
reducing nosocomial infections
spread by healthcare workers?
EVIDENCE:
We used the following Databases
& Studies:

ProQuest Nursing and Allied
Health
EBSCO Host


Cross Sectional Study
Cohort Study
Systematic Review
Randomized Control Test



HAND WASHING
Hand washing numbers are low among
doctors and nurses because of
inconvenience.
(not enough time, lack of soap,
forgetfulness, inconveniently located
sinks)

When hands are washed they arent
being washed adequately.
This leads to an increase in the
number of patients with
nosocomial infections.
Wash hands for 15-30 seconds.
ALCOHOL BASED HAND RUBS:
1/3 of all hospital acquired infections are
avoidable with adherence to hand washing.

More convenient than soap and water.

Insufficient hand washing has lead to an increase
in use of alcohol based hand rubs.

Reduce bacteria more than regular hand
washing.

Quick access as hospital workers enter and leave
each room.


RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS:
(RSV)
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection. S/S- are similar to the common cold,
is very contagious. Attacks nose, eyes, throat, and lungs.

Effects child/pediatric population.

Both hand washing and alcohol based rubs are effective in reducing
the spread of this disease.

Hand washing is the preferred method to use
along with isolation precaution. (gloves, gown,
mask)


METHICILLIN-RESISTANT
STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS: (MRSA)

Staphylococcus Aureus is a bacteria that
lives on our skin. People with weakened
immune systems are most commonly
effected.

Cause: inadequate hand hygiene and
insufficient infection control.

Article favored alcohol based hand rubs.

Alcohol based rubs were effective for
reducing the spread of infection.

CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE: (C-DIFF)
Spore-forming bacterium.

Hard to kill: spores survive on different
surfaces for months.

Alcohol based rubs are effective for
REDUCING infection RATES.

Hand washing is more effective in
REDUCING infection TRANSMISSION.

Recommendation: hand washing with
chlorhexadine.

Hand washing was favored as being the
most effective preventative method.
Although hand sanitizer can be effective in stopping the
spread of infection the best practice is to wash your hands
REFERENCES:

Alex-Hart, B., & Opara, P. I. (2011). Handwashing Practices amongst
health workers in a teaching hospital. American Journal of Infectious
Diseases, 7(1), 8-15. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/1026789182?accountid=27045
Dyer, D. L., Gerenraich, K. B., & Wadhams, P. S. (1998). Testing a new
alcohol-free hand sanitizer to combat infection. Association of
Operating Room Nurses. AORN Journal, 68(2), 239-41, 243-4, 247-51.
Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/200808502?accountid=27045
Gould, D. (2011). MRSA: Implications for hospital and nursing homes.
Nursing Standard, 25(18), 47-56. Retrieved from
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx
Groothuis, J., Bauman, J., Malinoski, F., & Eggleston, M . (2008).
Strategies for prevention of RSV nosocomial infection. Journal of
Perinatology, 28(5), 319-323.
Headley, C. M. (2012). Deadly diarrhea: Clostridium difficile infection.
Nephrology Nursing Journal, 39(6), 459-68; quiz 469. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/1272095621?accountid=27045

THE
END!