Hand hygiene is a simple measure that when implemented
in the everyday care of patients can reduce SSIs
and improve patient safety.36 Hand hygiene practices
should always be a priority when participating in patient
care. The 2009 WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene36
recommend that the healthcare provider engage in hand
hygiene in the following situations:
1. When the hands are visibly dirty or visibly soiled
with blood or body fluids or after using the toilet
2. If there is exposure to potential spore-forming
pathogens, including outbreaks of Clostridium difficile
3. Before and after touching a patient, before handling
an invasive device for patient care, regardless of whether
or not gloves are used; after contact with body fluids
or excretions, mucous membranes, nonintact skin, or
wound dressings; if moving from a contaminated body
site to another body site during the care of the same
patient; after contact with inanimate surfaces and objects
(including medical equipment) in the immediate vicinity
of the patient; and after removing sterile or nonsterile
gloves
4. Before handling medications or preparing food