Limited role for hand sanitisers
The importance of effective hand hygiene is top of the list of 5 common hospital practices you think help but don’t, according to a recent report on the Healthcare Dive website.
Julie Henry promotes a thought-provoking argument for seasoned healthcare professionals, namely “If you’ve made your career in the healthcare industry, you may think you know what works and what doesn’t. This may make you think again. Here are five common hospital practices that might not be as useful as you initially believed.”
The first entry – hand sanitizers – is particularly interesting. Ms Henry writes
“…hand sanitizers may not be as effective as you think. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands in some situations, but they do not eliminate all types of germs (for example, they are not as effective against Cryptosporidium, norovirus, or Clostridium difficile).
“Another concern raised by the CDC with regard to hand sanitizers is that although alcohol-based hand sanitizers can effectively inactivate many types of microbes when used correctly, people may not always use enough of the sanitizer or they may wipe it off before it dries.”
Hand washing with soap and water
The inevitable conclusion, according to Ms Henry, is that
“In most situations, hand washing with soap and water is a superior method of removing microbes.”
The feature also continues with information regarding
- Sliding scale insulin
- Repetitive lab testing
- Patient handling practices
- Quality improvement (QI) programs
High quality hand washing with soap and water – perfect for patients and visitors!
Portable hot water hand washing for healthcare situations – the TEAL Stop n’Wash is entirely self contained and needs no mains water service or drainage connections.
The synchronised display takes you through the automatic TEAL Stop n’Wash programme and 7 rubbing actions as laid down on the National Health Service Guidelines:- “Hand-washing technique with soap and water”.
Hot water hand wash hire for UK medical emergencies
Introducing the TEAL Task Force
TEAL Task Force staff provide a rapid deployment and installation service for the class-leading Teal Stop n’Wash portable hand washing station to medical facilities. Setup and training is provided for on-site staff as part of the service.