"Hand Washing: The WHO Technique - Step-by-Step Guide"

Hand hygiene is a crucial aspect of preventing the spread of infections and illnesses. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a technique for effective hand washing, which is widely recognized and recommended. In this article, we will delve into the WHO hand hygiene technique, its importance, and step-by-step guide on how to perform it correctly.

Why is the WHO Hand Hygiene Technique Important?

The WHO hand hygiene technique is designed to effectively remove or kill microorganisms on hands. This is particularly important in healthcare settings to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). However, it's not just healthcare workers who can benefit from this technique. Anyone can use it to protect themselves and others from infections, especially in the current era of COVID-19.

Proper hand hygiene can help prevent the spread of infections in several ways. It can reduce the risk of transmitting infections from one person to another, from contaminated hands to food or objects, and from the community to healthcare settings. Moreover, it's a simple, cost-effective, and readily available measure that can significantly improve public health.

Understanding the WHO Hand Hygiene Technique

The WHO hand hygiene technique involves five steps: wet, apply, lather, scrub, and rinse. It's recommended to use either soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The choice depends on the situation and the availability of clean water and soap.

When to Use Soap and Water

Soap and water should be used when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with potential harmful substances like chemicals or bodily fluids. It's also the preferred method in situations where alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective, such as when hands are heavily soiled or contaminated with heavy residues.

When to Use Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are recommended when hands are not visibly dirty. They are faster and more convenient to use than soap and water. However, they are not effective against all types of germs, particularly those that cause norovirus infections. They also do not remove heavy soil or chemicals.

Step-by-Step Guide to the WHO Hand Hygiene Technique

Step 1: Wet

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold). Turn off the tap using a paper towel or your elbow to avoid re-contaminating your hands.

Step 2: Apply

Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces. For alcohol-based hand sanitizers, apply the gel to the palm of one hand.

Step 3: Lather

Rub your hands palm to palm, lacing your fingers together. Vigorously rub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. For alcohol-based hand sanitizers, rub your hands together until they feel dry, which should take around 15-30 seconds.

Step 4: Scrub

Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice. For alcohol-based hand sanitizers, ensure you rub your hands for the recommended time.

Step 5: Rinse

Rinse your hands well under clean, running water. Turn off the tap using a paper towel or your elbow.

Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. If you're using a towel, use a new one each time to prevent cross-contamination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not washing long enough: Ensure you scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove or kill microorganisms.
• Not washing all surfaces: Make sure to wash the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Not drying properly: Wet hands can transmit germs more easily. Make sure to dry your hands thoroughly.
• Not using enough soap or sanitizer: Apply enough soap or sanitizer to cover all hand surfaces.

When to Perform Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene should be performed at key times to maximize its effectiveness. These include:

Before:	After:
Eating	Touching your face
Handling money	Using a shared object
Coughing or sneezing	Visiting a patient
Blowing your nose	Touching a patient

Remember, hand hygiene is just one aspect of infection prevention and control. Other measures, such as using personal protective equipment and maintaining a clean environment, are also crucial.

In conclusion, the WHO hand hygiene technique is a simple yet powerful tool for preventing the spread of infections. By understanding and correctly performing this technique, we can all play a role in improving public health and reducing the burden of infectious diseases.