Hand hygiene
edge hand hygiene solutions. HCAIs result in increased healthcare costs, prolonged hospital stays, and human suffering.2 By investing in advanced hand hygiene solutions, healthcare facilities can reduce the incidence of HCAIs, demonstrate a commitment to patient safety and quality care, and reap benefits such as increased patient trust, positive reputational effects, and improved financial performance.
In the quest for innovative hand hygiene solutions, it is crucial to foster a culture of improved hand hygiene. This culture extends beyond technology and products; it involves educating and engaging healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public on the significance of hand hygiene. Leaders in the healthcare industry can set an example by adhering to strict hand hygiene practices and advocating for their importance. Education programmes, both within healthcare facilities and in the broader community, raise awareness about the role of hand hygiene in preventing infections.3 Empowering patients to take an active role in their own safety and encouraging adherence to hand hygiene practices among families and visitors also contribute to a safer healthcare environment. Government initiatives and public health campaigns further emphasise the importance of hand hygiene, creating a society that values and prioritises hand hygiene as a cornerstone of public health.
The long-term benefits of improved hand hygiene The adoption of innovative hand hygiene solutions in healthcare can lead to a multitude of long-term benefits for both healthcare facilities and society as a whole. One of the most significant advantages is the reduction of healthcare costs. HCAIs often result in prolonged hospital stays, additional medical treatments, and increased resource utilisation. However, by preventing HCAIs through
innovative hand hygiene practices, healthcare facilities can save substantial amounts of money in the long run. Furthermore, these innovations also contribute to improved patient outcomes. Patients who receive care in facilities with a strong hand hygiene culture are less likely to acquire infections during their stay. This results in quicker recoveries, reduced complications, and an overall enhancement of well-being.4 Patients trust healthcare facilities to provide safe and effective care. Therefore, facilities that prioritise innovative hand hygiene solutions demonstrate their commitment to patient safety. This commitment fosters trust and can lead to a positive reputation, attracting more
References 1. Parsons, V., Oxley, G., & Gould, D. (2020). (rep.). Survey exploring skin health issues among nursing staff in the UK: results of a national survey (pp. 3–19). London: Royal College of Nursing.
2. World Health Organization (2009). The burden of health care-associated infection. In WHO guidelines on hand hygiene in health care: First global patient safety challenge clean care is safer care (pp. 6–9). essay, World Health Organization.
3. Gould, D. J., Moralejo, D., Drey, N., & Chudleigh, J. H. (2010). Interventions to improve hand hygiene compliance in patient care. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://doi. org/10.1002/
14651858.cd005186.pub3
patients in the long term. However, the benefits of improved hand
hygiene extend beyond patients. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in the battle against HCAIs. By providing them with effective hand hygiene tools and promoting a culture of hand hygiene, healthcare facilities can ensure a healthier and more productive workforce. This, in turn, leads to reduced absences and increased morale.5 Moreover, innovations in hand hygiene have a positive impact on public health beyond healthcare facilities. The lessons learned and technologies developed in healthcare settings can be applied in other contexts, such as schools, public transportation, and workplaces. As we witnessed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, these advancements further reduce the transmission of infectious diseases, benefiting society as a whole. Ultimately, to achieve enhanced hand
hygiene and reduced HCAIs, we need to raise the bar and demand Contact-Kill Technology, Kill-On-Touch capabilities, continual residual protection, skin health maintenance with a long-term moisturising effect, broad spectrum efficacy, proven effectiveness, and minimal environmental impact. These innovations must be supported by empirical evidence and a commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and superior protection. By embracing this journey of innovation, we can significantly reduce the burden of HCAIs, ensure the safety of healthcare professionals and patients, and elevate hygiene standards, not only in healthcare, but in society as a whole. Embracing advanced technologies, regulatory support, and a cultural shift towards improved hand hygiene practices can usher in a new era of healthcare safety, minimising the risks and burdens associated with HCAIs.
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, February 25). Clean hands count for safe healthcare. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/ patientsafety/features/clean-hands-count. html
5. Kumar, S., & Preetha, G. (2012). Health promotion: An effective tool for global health. Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 37(1), 5.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-0218.94009
About the author
Arjun Luthra is the CEO of Primel, a life- science organisation focused on providing state-of-the-art technologies in antimicrobial and infection prevention solutions. Primel works closely with its strategic partner BioInteractions, a research and development company specialising in biomaterial technologies for the worldwide medical device industry. Founded to advance antimicrobial protection in all patient care environments, Primel builds on the success of TridAnt, which was first developed as an antimicrobial coating technology for medical devices and is capable of lasting for up to 365 days.
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