Hand Hygiene

During my case assignment, the problem I will identify in the health care setting is an infection control issue that many hospitals or health care clinics are dealing with. Hand washing is said to be the first line to prevent the spread of infections. We teach our children, teachers and all of America that washing hands can decrease the chances of passing infections or viruses. We load our offices, pocketbooks, cars or any personal carry items with hand sanitizers because it is said to be just as effective as washing your hands. During this class I hope to find out which is more effective hand washing or using hand sanitizer.
In the earlier days during the 19th century, many patients were septic and dying from bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. This streak of dying patients was increasing with no one fully understanding why they were dying. Due to the increase number of deceased patients, many people feared going to hospitals with the thought they may never return. Hospital deaths increased at an alarming rate until it was discovered that the majority of infections were caused by the lack of hand washing by hospital staff. Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis was an assistant on a maternity ward who realized that the mortality rate was increasing on the ward. He observed medical students leaving their classes and heading straight to the delivery rooms without using the proper hand washing techniques. This is when Dr. Semmelweis ordered all doctors and medical students to disinfect their hands with a chlorinated solution prior to performing any procedures or examining any patients. This is when the mortality rate began to decrease.
After Dr. Semmelweis discovery, hand washing techniques were made mandatory and set in to place for all heath care settings. The purpose of disinfecting your hands is to prevent the spread of infections and virus. Our hands are the most popular body part we use to operate in our daily routine. We use our hands to greet each other and