What is the importance of handwashing in the healthcare field?

The purpose of hand washing in the health care setting is to remove or destroy (disinfect) pathogenic microrganisms ("germs" in common parlance) to avoid transmitting them to a patient. Water alone is fairly effective, simply by removing many agents loosely adherent to the skin. Ordinary soap aids in removal and also helps to kill pathogens. Other "medicated" soaps or hand disinfectants are used in certain settings when higher levels of disinfection are required, e.g. surgery.

The proper washing of hands in a medical setting generally consists of the use of generous amounts of soap and water to lather and rub each part of ones hands systematically. Hands should be rubbed together with digits interlocking. If there is debris under fingernails, a bristle brush is often used to remove it. Finally, it is necessary to rinse well and wipe dry with a paper towel. After drying, a dry paper towel should be used to turn off water and open exit door.

Working in a hospital pharmacy, I wash my hands AT LEAST 50 times a night. I have to wash them every time I enter the "clean room" to make IV bags for patients. It's annoying, but it needs to be done to prevent patients from getting infections.

Not only can disease be transmitted through tiny cuts and breaks in the skin that usually live near the cuticle, but you touch things like your nose, mouth, and eyes that have a lining (mucosa) that is very easily penetrated by diseases. Your hands are in contact with almost everything that is in your environment, and they are in contact with your body as well. They are the perfect carrier. In the healthcare field, where you are exposed to all kinds of nasty things, it is even more important because you are exposed to more things.

Proper handwashing (washing in very warm water, rub hands together for at least 20 seconds with antibacterial soap) is the most important and effective way to prevent infection.

not to spread germs to others

Infection control and just plain cleanliness!

Because everything you and everybody touch is, or can be, loaded with bacteria, germs, etc., the washing is to get that stuff off so you don't infect others!

http://www.total-knowledge.com/~willyblu...

It's a matter of life or death. Women used to die in childbirth because doctors didn't wash their hands from one patient to another. Even for your own health and safety, handwashing is vital.