Hand Hygiene and Antisepsis

Course overview

Whether at the surgical site or on the hands of healthcare providers, human skin is naturally covered with resident and transient bacteria. Pathogens on the skin and surfaces have the potential to cause infection, wound dehiscence, systemic illness, and other postoperative complications. Healthcare-acquired infections affect around 2 million patients yearly and cause an estimated 99,000 deaths (Joint Commission, n.d.). This course aims to cover ways to reduce pathogenic bacteria on the skin of healthcare providers and surgical patients to reduce the risk of infections. It covers the appropriate use of gloves, proper handwashing, and surgical considerations and uses review questions to promote active learning.