Hand Hygiene: More Than Just Hands

Each year as many as 90,000 patients die from facility-acquired infections. Data indicate up to 70% of acquired infections are antibiotic resistant. Hands are the most common routes for transmission of infections. Efforts to improve hand hygiene involve more than the duration of hand washing--they should address disinfectants used, fingernail cleanliness, jewelry worn, and shirtsleeve length. Several low-cost interventions help minimize the spread of infections; alcohol-based handrubs are especially effective. Organizational improvement programs should address hand hygiene compliance.