Handwashing Training For Healthcare Workers

Handwashing training for healthcare workers often treats hand rub and handwashing as interchangeable, and they are not.

Alcohol-based hand rub is effective for most routine hand hygiene and is faster, which is why it is placed at the point of care.

Soap and running water is required in specific circumstances. When hands are visibly soiled. After contact with body fluids. And where certain organisms are involved, because alcohol is not effective against all of them, which is the point most often missed.

Training that does not name those situations leaves workers using rub in every case because it is quicker and closer to hand.

Follow the guidance and protocols that apply in your own setting, since the requirements differ by service type and by the organisms involved.

Safe Work Australia covers infection risks. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s hand hygiene training course and infection prevention and control course.