Hand Hygiene and Infection Control: Skin Care Supports Patient Care

Compliance Improvement Strategies

Strategies to improve compliance should be individual- and system-based. Individual-based strategies effect behavioral changes, i.e., education and motivation. System-based strategies include physical plant considerations and policies and procedures, such as accessibility of sinks or hand rubs, support and role modeling of management, and the promotion and facilitation of skin care for healthcare professionals.

Continuing education and motivational efforts may help with acceptance and frequent use of disinfectants and other hand hygiene products.

Additionally, making a rapidly effective, waterless antiseptic agent available at the bedside should improve compliance with recommended hand hygiene practices.

Maintaining Skin Barrier

Frequent handwashing is a primary cause of irritant contact dermatitis. Recently developed formulations may be superior to antiseptic detergents for rapid microbial killing on skin, and are milder due to the addition of emollients.

Preventing dry skin and reducing the risk of dermal irritation and contact dermatitis should be a high priority for every healthcare employer and employee. Moisturizing improves skin health and reduces microbial shedding from the skin. The “Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings” recommends that healthcare professionals be provided with products that minimize irritant dermatitis associated with hand antisepsis or handwashing.⁶