Clinical Pharmacology & Biopharmaceutics
Open Access

Abstract

Healthcare workers (HCWs) hands are the most common vehicle for the transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens from patient to patient and within the healthcare environment. Hand hygiene is the leading measure for reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) as well as preventing antimicrobial resistance spreading. Hand rubs are gels or liquids containing antimicrobial agents that decrease the number of microorganisms present on hands. The antimicrobial agents in most hand rubs are alcohols (ethanol, isopropanol, and n-propanol), available in varying concentrations. A Quazi experimental, pre-post one group study was conducted at the hematology unit, Egypt. Alcohol-based hand rubs effect on HCWs concerning the rate of HAIs among hematology patients was evaluated. HAIs samples were collected according to site of infection and subjected to bacteriological identification. According to the latest recommendations of the WHO, the 5 moments of hand hygiene were audited and the alcohol based hand rub personal bottles were distributed among the HCWs to ensure maximum compliance. Moreover, direct finger prints from the HCWs dominant hands were cultured before and after using alcohol based hand rubs. It was found that the overall percentage of HAIs in patients was 29% and 21% before and after implementation of proper hand hygiene practice among HCWs respectively. Implementation of proper hand hygiene practice using alcohol-based hand rubs led to reduction in HAIs rate in this unit. Introduction of alcohol-based hand rubs is key factor to overcome infrastructure barriers and build solid knowledge improvement.

Biography

Email: elshamy.hoda@yahoo.com