- Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis is known as the father of this measure and it was in 1847 that he proposed it.
- For health workers it is mandatory to comply with this instruction for their safety and that of patients.
- Proper hygiene helps reduce the risk of more than a hundred diseases.
Hygiene has always been important and more so today due to the times we live in. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, emphasis has been placed on the hand washing as a risk reduction strategy. Such a simple action protects against more than a hundred diseases. In addition, the beneficiary is not only a person but the entire environment of it.
How did this practice originate?
Although it can be thought that this measure was put into practice for thousands of years, in reality it is not. It was actually quite recently when hand hygiene became routine.
Specifically, it was only in the mid-nineteenth century and the person responsible was the Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis. For his work and contribution, the Hungarian is cataloged as the creator of antiseptic procedures and who first suggested a method to prevent the spread of germs.
The medical literature indicates that in 1847 he proposed hand washing in the clinic where he worked in Vienna. Although it seems difficult to understand, until then it was not mandatory for medical personnel to practice this type of measure to carry out their work.
At first his idea was not well seen but over the years it was analyzed that it was beneficial to prevent diseases. After being established in hospitals, it was replicated in homes until today.
This measure is fundamental and necessary for anyone, but even more so when it comes to health workers. Not only is their integrity at risk, but also that of the people they serve.
Its fulfillment forms part of the priority commitments in the prevention of Health Care Associated Infections (IAAS). Although unlike the rest of society, for people who work in hospitals and clinics it is necessary to comply with hand washing at least five times with each patient.
When should handwashing be done in the office?
- Before touching the patient.
- Before performing an aseptic task: even if gloves are used, hand hygiene must be carried out prior to putting them on.
- After being at risk of exposure to body fluids: despite the use of gloves, immediate hand hygiene after contact with saliva, urine, blood or other liquid.
- After touching the patient: always at the end of care if a physical examination or taking of vital signs is performed.
- After contact with the patient’s environment: if personal objects, sheets, bed, nightstand or table where he eats are touched.
Also read:
Good hygiene practices prevent up to 70% of hospital infections
Most common hygiene habits during the pandemic in Latin America
Hygiene habits that you should reinforce among the collaborators of your office
