How to Write an In-Service on Proper Hand Washing

Proper hand washing is one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of infection and protect from transmission of disease. For this reason, hand washing inservices are presented, usually every year, in most health care facilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed instructions for proper hand washing where running water is available, and for alcohol-based hand antiseptics where running water is not available or hands are not visibly soiled.

Instructions

• 1

  Review the reasons why proper hand washing is essential and when it should be performed: after using the bathroom, before eating, between patient encounters and any time hands are visibly soiled.

• 2

  Review the proper steps for hand washing using running water: Using warm water, wet your hands and apply soap. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, making sure to cover all surfaces: front, back, between the fingers and under the fingernails. Rinse thoroughly and dry your hands with a paper towel. Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet to avoid recontamination.

• 3

  Discuss the indications for use of an alcohol-based hand antiseptic: when running water is not available, or hands are not visibly soiled. Mention the location of all hand washing stations in your facility.

• 4

  Provide time at the end of the presentation for the listeners to ask questions. Administer a short quiz after the inservice to assess the level of understanding of the listener.