Doenças Infecciosas Clínicas: Acesso Aberto

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Hand Hygiene Programs in Reducing Healthcare-associated Infections

Abstract

Andrew Wells

Healthcare-associated Infections (HAIs) pose a significant threat to patient safety and can lead to increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. One of the key strategies to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings is the implementation of effective hand hygiene programs. Hand hygiene, which involves the use of soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers, is a simple yet powerful tool in reducing the transmission of pathogens. Healthcare-associated infections, also known as nosocomial infections, are infections that patients acquire during the course of receiving healthcare treatment in a hospital or other healthcare facility. These infections can develop as a result of exposure to infectious agents within the healthcare setting and they pose a significant threat to patient safety. HAIs can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs and in severe cases; they can contribute to morbidity and mortality.