ABSTRACT
The goal of hand hygiene is to remove or destroy the microorganisms on hands. Hand washing is washing of hands with facility-approved soap and water. Hand hygiene is the most critical action in preventing and controlling infections in healthcare facilities. Hand hygiene is the key to safeguarding the patient-care environment. It is as essential for patients and visitors to practice proper hand hygiene as it is for the healthcare professional. Hand hygiene products should be made accessible to patients and visitors, and steps should be in place to create an environment in which patients feel comfortable asking and reminding their caregivers to sanitize their hands. Also, facilities can provide patient-focused educational materials on hand hygiene and include hand hygiene–specific questions on patient-satisfaction surveys. Physicians and nurses should wash their hands before and after they have contact with patients.
