Hand washing

• Is a general term referring to any action of hand cleansing. 
• Includes:
  • Washing hands with the use of a water and soap or a soap solution, either non-antimicrobial or antimicrobial 
    OR
  • Applying a waterless antimicrobial hand rub to the surface of the hands (e.g. alcohol-based hand rub). 
• When performed correctly, hand hygiene results in a reduction of microorganisms on hands. 

Hand hygiene practices have been universally poor among health care workers.
Why:

• Heavy workloads - the busier you are the less likely you are to wash your hands
• Time consuming - there just isn't enough time to wash your hands as often as you need to if using the traditional Hand Hygiene techniques
• Hands don't appear dirty - Bugs are there even if you can't see them
• Problems with skin irritation - frequent washing with soap and water removes skin lipids, and in some health are workers causes dryness, skin irritation and damaged skin
• Sinks poorly located - if it's hard to get to a sink you are less likely to use it.