The WHO 5 Moments for Handwashing is a series of guidelines developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. These guidelines remind healthcare workers when they should wash their hands to reduce the risk of transmission of harmful microorganisms and protect both patients and themselves.
1. Before touching a patient: Healthcare workers should wash their hands before any direct contact with a patient, such as physical examination, administering medication, or providing personal care. This is crucial in preventing the transmission of microorganisms from one patient to another.
2. Before clean/aseptic procedures: Any procedure that involves contact with sterile areas or equipment requires thorough handwashing beforehand. This includes procedures like inserting an IV line, changing wound dressings, or preparing medications.
3. After body fluid exposure risk: This moment refers to washing hands immediately after coming into contact with bodily fluids such as blood, urine, or saliva. Infection-causing microorganisms can easily transfer through these fluids and proper hand hygiene is vital to prevent their spread.
4. After touching a patient: Just like before touching a patient, healthcare workers must also wash their hands after any direct contact with patients. This includes tasks like assisting with mobility, handling medical devices, or helping patients with personal hygiene.
5. After touching patient surroundings: Finally, healthcare workers must wash their hands after any contact with objects or surfaces in the patient's surroundings. This could include items such as bed rails, medical equipment, or furniture in the patient's room. These surfaces can harbor harmful microorganisms and proper hand hygiene can help prevent their spread.
By following these 5 moments for handwashing consistently and correctly, healthcare workers can greatly reduce the risk of infection within the healthcare system. It is essential for all healthcare facilities to prioritize hand hygiene education and enforcement to protect both patients and staff from infections.
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What are the WHO 5 moments for handwashing to diminish the risk of infection inside the healthcare system?
The 5 moments for handwashing are meant to remind healthcare workers when they should wash their hands to prevent infections.
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