• Assess The Importance Of Proper Hand Washing In The (Nicus)

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Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Healthcare associated infections are extremely problematic within neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), further resulting in morbidity and mortality (Kramer et al.,2017). Adherence to proper hand hygiene has shown to be effective in the prevention of pathogens, being transferred between a healthcare worker (HCW) and patient (Chhapola & Brar, 2015). Newborns are highly susceptible to healthcare associated infections due to underdeveloped immune and integumentary systems. Numerous factors contribute to poor hand hygiene; therefore, it is crucially important to minimize the spread of infection in the best ways possible. The purpose of this paper is to recognize the importance of proper hand hygiene in the (NICUs), they are as follows: application time of hand washing, the efficacy of hand rubs and compliance.
Application Time of Hand Washing …show more content…

Therefore, the importance of application time and proper hand washing in the NICUs is a matter that cannot be overemphasized. Any form of bacteria can be harmful and, sometimes, deadly to the patients within this unit. The World Health Organization (as cited in Kramer, 2017) states, that 20-30 seconds is the suggested application time for hand washing. However, it has decreased from the initial 30 seconds to 15 seconds (Kramer et al.,2017). There have been many reasons for the decrease, especially due to the hectic environment of hospitals and the time limitations placed on HCWs to serve patients. Nevertheless, through research, this time reduction of hand washing has been proven effective in reducing the transmission of pathogens from HCWs to patients (Kramer et al.,2017). Due to this, it has influenced the HCWs to do hand washing more

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