By: Erin McNamara, CPhT, Quality Data Service Coordinator
Let us travel back to the 19th century when the concept of hand hygiene was not yet fully understood. Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, the father of hand hygiene, played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the practices of handwashing and sanitization.
Dr. Semmelweis discovered the critical link between hand hygiene and the prevention of harmful microbial transmission, particularly in the context of surgical procedures. His groundbreaking work highlighted the necessity of thorough handwashing for healthcare practitioners to minimize the risk of infections and improve patient outcomes.
The art of handwashing entails the following comprehensive steps:
- Commence the process by turning on the tap to allow a steady flow of either cold or warm water to wet your hands thoroughly.
- Dispense an ample amount of soap and vigorously lather it to ensure comprehensive coverage, paying close attention to the spaces between your fingers, underneath your nails, and the backs of your hands.
- Dedicate a minimum of 20 seconds to scrubbing your hands diligently, envisioning the passage of time as the duration of two complete renditions of the “Happy Birthday” song.
- Rinse your hands under a continuous stream of running water, ensuring you eliminate all remnants of soap.
- Conclude by drying your hands thoroughly using a clean towel, or allowing them to air-dry.
In addition to the paramount practice of handwashing, we must acknowledge the practicality and efficacy of hand sanitizer in certain circumstances. A hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can efficiently combat harmful germs when traditional handwashing facilities are not readily accessible.
The impact of Dr. Semmelweis’s work extended far beyond his lifetime, shaping modern medical practices, and helping to establish the fundamental principles of infection control. Notwithstanding the fact that the latest COVID-19 variant epidemic trend appears to be declining in the United States, future surges and new variants are likely to occur, so continued diligence to recommended handwashing practices is important.
Effective handwashing remains one of the most accessible and impactful methods for preventing the transmission of viruses and bacteria. It is essential to instill proper hand hygiene practices in our daily routines and encourage their adoption in public spaces, workplaces, and healthcare facilities. By following meticulous handwashing protocols and utilizing hand sanitizers, when necessary, we can collectively contribute to the creation of safer and healthier environments for all.
Works Cited
About Handwashing. (2024, February 16). Retrieved from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html
Ignaz Semmelweis—Father of Hand Hygiene (2020, May 21). Retrieved from National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7240806/
