1. Hand hygiene Jodie Burr Infection Control Coordinator Women’s and Children’s Hospital

2. Hand Hygiene The single most effective method in the prevention of disease transmission The single most effective method in the prevention of disease transmission 80 % hospital acquired infections are thought to be transmitted by hands 80 % hospital acquired infections are thought to be transmitted by hands Healthcare workers think they wash their hands more than what they do Healthcare workers think they wash their hands more than what they do

3. Reasons for poor compliance heavy workloads (too busy) heavy workloads (too busy) sinks are poorly located sinks are poorly located skin irritation caused by frequent exposure to soap and water skin irritation caused by frequent exposure to soap and water hands don’t look dirty hands don’t look dirty hand washing takes too long hand washing takes too long

4. Improving compliance Introduction of Aqium Introduction of Aqium For all clinical areas throughout hospital For all clinical areas throughout hospital For all staff that have patient contact For all staff that have patient contact Already used within other South Australian hospitals Already used within other South Australian hospitals

5. takes less time to use than water takes less time to use than water is more accessible than sinks is more accessible than sinks cause less skin irritation and dryness cause less skin irritation and dryness is effective in reducing the number of bacteria on hands is effective in reducing the number of bacteria on hands has led to improved hand hygiene practices has led to improved hand hygiene practices Advantages of alcohol based hand gel

6. When to use soap and water vs Aqium Soap and water When hands are visibly soiled / contaminated When hands are visibly soiled / contaminated After contact with body fluids / mucous membranes After contact with body fluids / mucous membranesAqium When hands are NOT visibly soiled / contaminated: When hands are NOT visibly soiled / contaminated: Clean procedures Clean procedures

7. Dispense gel onto palm without touching the nozzle Rub hands together Ensure gel is distributed over all surfaces, including: FingersFingers ThumbsThumbs Back of handsBack of hands Finger tipsFinger tips Between thumbs and fingersBetween thumbs and fingers How to use Aqium Allow gel to dry prior to touching anything

8. Tips for using Aqium If after cleaning your hands 5 to 10 times with an alcohol-based handrub, you feel a “build-up” of emollients on your hands, wash your hands with soap and water. If after cleaning your hands 5 to 10 times with an alcohol-based handrub, you feel a “build-up” of emollients on your hands, wash your hands with soap and water. If you clean your hands with an alcohol-based handrub before putting on gloves, make sure the alcohol has dried completely before putting on gloves. If you clean your hands with an alcohol-based handrub before putting on gloves, make sure the alcohol has dried completely before putting on gloves.