How should a home health aide properly wash their hands?

Using soap and water and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds before rinsing is the most effective method for washing hands to prevent the spread of infections. This practice removes dirt, bacteria, and viruses from the skin, ensuring that hands are thoroughly cleaned. The duration of scrubbing is essential, as it allows the soap to effectively break down the oils and contaminants on the skin, making it easier to wash them away.

Handwashing is a critical infection control measure, especially for healthcare providers like home health aides who are in close contact with patients. This method is recommended by health organizations, as it is proven to significantly reduce the presence of pathogens on the hands.

Other methods, such as using only hand sanitizer or briefly running water over the hands, do not provide the same level of cleanliness. Hand sanitizers are effective when soap and water are not available, but they do not eliminate all types of germs and are less effective when hands are visibly dirty. Brief rinsing does not adequately clean the hands, as it fails to remove contaminants effectively. Therefore, the proper technique of washing hands with soap and water for the appropriate length of time is the best practice for maintaining hygiene in a home healthcare setting.