Hand Washing Practice among Intern House Officers (IHOs) during Working Hours at Colombo North Teaching Hospital (CNTH), Ragama.

Abstract

Contaminated hands of healthcare workers (HCWs) are known to crosstransmit microorganisms causing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Hence, hand hygiene (HH) is the simplest and the most effective method to prevent HAIs. Therefore, all HCWs needs to adhere to recommended hand washing (HW) practices provided adequate HW facilities. Amongst HCWs, IHOs would have direct contact with patients mostly. Objective: To describe HW practice in IHOs and facilities available for effective HH in CNTH, Ragama. Methodology: Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted from 01.06.2017–31.09.2017 involving 2168 HW opportunities of 50 IHOs in 22 wards of CNTH. HH practices were assessed against WHO defined criteria; five opportunities for HH and six-steps in HW technique. HH facilities were assessed by evaluating availability of water supply, washing agent (soap), disposable hand towels and alcohol hand rub. Sink: bed ratio and display of poster with HW steps near sinks were noted.