Focus: Infection Control

WHO promotes hand hygiene in healthcare facilities

Good hand hygiene, including among patients and health workers helps stop the spread of infection


The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the need to promote hand hygiene to enhance the safety and quality of healthcare facilities, according to an article on the PharmaBiz website.

Key areas to focus on, according to WHO, include the WHO-recommended "five moments for hand hygiene." This five step formula requires health workers to wash their hands using an alcohol-based product for 20-30 seconds, or soap and water for 40-60 seconds, before touching a patient, before clean/aseptic procedures, after bodily fluid exposure, after touching a patient, and after touching patient surroundings.

Also, facility-based infection prevention leaders should communicate the critical importance of implementing WHO guidelines to all stakeholders. 

Facilities are encouraged to make hand hygiene as a core part of their infection control regimens, with areas of risk identified and solutions found as a matter of priority. 

Read the article.

 



May 15, 2018


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

Regulations Take the Lead in Healthcare Restroom Design

Infection-control guidance and water management standards drive earlier planning, smarter fixtures and more resilient restroom environments.


AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital Opens Expanded Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit

Construction began in July 2025 and included 12 new inpatient rehabilitation beds, bringing the unit’s total to 29.


HSHS and Lifepoint Rehabilitation Partner on New Inpatient Rehab Hospital in Green Bay

The 40-bed hospital will be named the Hospital Sisters Health System | Rehabilitation Hospital.


Turning Facility Data Into ROI: Where Healthcare Leaders Should Start

Better data, smarter tools and small facility upgrades can drive measurable returns, guide ambulatory strategy and improve patient experience.


Sutter Health Breaks Ground on Advanced Cancer Center and Care Complex

The new center, located on Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center campus, will feature four stories and 165,000 square feet of modernized, patient-centered space.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.