Hartmann Group
Expert for hand and surface disinfection
Hygiene practices in healthcare settings—hand and surface—are confusing and can lead to human error. Up to 30% of all infections acquired in hospitals and other healthcare settings could be avoided if workers followed generally accepted hygiene practices. A key obstacle in this regard is a lack of understanding of what hygiene practices should be followed and when.
In fact, to prevent the spread of nosocomial infections, such as sepsis or urinary tract infections, certain hygiene protocols must be consistently implemented.
To improve patient safety, standardized methods need to be implemented to assist staff treating and caring for patients.
If these standards are followed at every stage of contact with the patient, the level of protection against infections will increase significantly.
A comprehensive hygiene program should include a range of measures necessary to minimize the risk of spreading infections, including hand and surface disinfection, the use of skin antiseptics and sterile dressings. But not only that: general awareness-raising and training in standards that can be easily applied to different areas of activity improve hygiene in all areas.
The BODE Science Center, a leading expert in hygiene and infection control, and the University Medical Center Hamburg have analyzed how an innovative, holistic approach can help close hygiene gaps in routine patient care.
Hand disinfection can be considered separately from the full cycle of procedures for caring for the sick and elderly, especially given the fact that infection prevention is important in this case. Based on the evidence, the study developed an optimal working procedure for inserting a peripheral venous catheter, which is based on three principles. After training the workers, it became clear that strict adherence to the protocol increases the safety of this manipulation for patients.
Benefits of standardized workflows
The study showed that standardized medical procedures bring certainty to the activities of staff. They provide an idea of when and in what sequence to perform hygiene measures during contact with a patient. Adherence to this scheme increases the level of safety of medical manipulations for patients. It was found that logical, structured processes provide confidence to doctors and medical staff when performing hygiene measures within the framework of clinical practice.
Recommendations
Implementing new standards requires training for staff. Visual reminders help ensure protocol is followed. All actions should be clear and consistent.
Hand disinfection with skin care function
Hand hygiene is a fundamental element in preventing the spread of hospital-acquired infections and, therefore, in ensuring patient safety. Healthcare workers often underestimate the importance of hand disinfection. Around 5 million people in Europe and approximately 1.7 million in the USA may be infected with various types of infections each year during hospital care and medical procedures. It is important to note that these figures are not related to the reason for the initial visit to the doctor. Worldwide, infections acquired in hospitals or outpatient clinics (so-called hospital-acquired or nosocomial infections) are one of the most serious threats to patient safety. Hospital-acquired infections not only affect the health of patients and healthcare workers, they also have a “domino effect” on the health economy. The results are emotional distress for patients, increased hospital stays, prolonged incapacity for work, and the development of high levels of antimicrobial resistance. This, in turn, leads to additional financial costs, including the payment of medical bills for medical personnel, who also become victims of hospital-acquired infections. The longer the contact with an infected patient, the higher the cost. There is also a risk of increased mortality rates.
In developed countries, 5% to 15% of hospital patients and 9% to 37% of intensive care unit patients become victims of nosocomial infections.
Despite the high risks, studies by the World Health Organization show that recommended hand disinfection procedures are not being performed to the necessary extent.
Hand disinfection is the main means of prevention
According to experts, a third of healthcare-associated infections could be avoided if certain measures were taken. Hand disinfection is a basic personal hygiene procedure.
Hand hygiene is a fundamental element in preventing the spread of nosocomial infections and, therefore, in ensuring patient safety. Although it is one of the most well-known and trivial procedures, it can be optimized.
Healthcare workers often underestimate the importance of hand disinfection. Dirty hands allow germs to spread in a confined space where many people are present at the same time. For example, in nursing homes, pathogens can be found throughout the building in almost all areas. Targeted hand disinfection protects not only patients but also staff. Ultimately, the more a healthcare worker practices hygiene, the safer the hospital stay is for patients and for the healthcare worker.
The importance of skincare
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are currently widely used for hand disinfection due to their rapid onset of action, ease of use, high antimicrobial activity, and high tolerability. However, the effectiveness of hygiene procedures largely depends on the fact that the disinfectants do not damage the skin. This is very important for personnel whose skin is subjected to daily stresses, including repeated hand washing.
One of the most common occupational diseases among healthcare workers is contact dermatitis, an inflammatory condition that causes the skin to become dry and rough, which in turn leads to microcracks. To minimize such cases, it is important that disinfectants also care for the skin.
For hand washing to be effective, it is necessary to keep the skin healthy, because the smallest cracks and microtraumas can lead to burning when using antiseptics, which, in turn, can lead to their incorrect use. Thus, a disinfectant must meet two requirements: to disinfect effectively and to be well tolerated by the skin.
In terms of tolerability, there are concerns that frequent hand disinfection with alcohol-based solutions may dry out the skin or disrupt the hydrolipidic barrier. In fact, numerous studies have shown that alcohol-based disinfectants are better tolerated than constant hand washing. Moreover, it has recently been shown that the alcohol-based Sterillium® may even help to moisturize the skin and maintain its elasticity.
In addition to being effective, disinfectants should be neutral to the skin, and better yet, they should care for it, for example, moisturize it. This not only increases the level of hygiene; such products can combat dry skin and to some extent compensate for the need for constant hand washing. Using these products several times during the working day increases the level of protection for staff and patients.
Hartmann Group is a world leader in the production of medical and hygiene products
Hartmann Group is an international company with a long history, specializing in the production of medical devices, hygiene products and professional healthcare solutions.
Founded over 200 years ago, the Hartmann Group is today represented in more than 30 countries around the world, providing customers with modern products that meet the highest quality and safety standards.
The company offers a wide range of products for hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, as well as for private use - from disposable medical products to comprehensive patient care solutions.
The Hartmann Group focuses on wound care products such as sterile dressings, hydrocolloid, alginate and foam dressings, as well as specialized products for the prevention of pressure ulcers.
The company also produces disinfectants, antiseptics, wipes, gloves, masks, gowns, and other medical supplies necessary to maintain high standards of infection control.
Hartmann Group applies innovative technologies in production that ensure high efficiency and comfort of product users, as well as meet the requirements of international standards such as ISO 13485, CE and FDA.
Special attention is paid to the safety of patients and medical personnel, which is implemented through the development of hypoallergenic materials, convenient shapes, and reliable packaging.
Hartmann products are widely used in surgery, intensive care, care for elderly and chronic patients, as well as in the prevention and treatment of wounds of varying degrees of complexity.
The company develops solutions that help optimize workflows in medical institutions, reducing infection risks and improving treatment outcomes.
In addition to the medical sector, Hartmann offers hygiene products for consumers: products for baby care, intimate hygiene and home use.
Hartmann Group actively implements the principles of sustainable development: uses environmentally friendly materials, reduces the use of plastic, and optimizes production processes to reduce environmental impact.
The company provides professional consulting and training for medical personnel, helping to implement modern standards of care and hygiene.
Hartmann's portfolio also includes automatic disinfection systems, dispensers, and consumables that ensure convenience and safety of use in medical facilities.
Hartmann Group products are available in various formats, which allows us to meet the needs of both large hospital complexes and small outpatient clinics or individuals.
By combining a tradition of quality, innovative technologies and global experience, the Hartmann Group remains one of the most reliable partners in the field of medical and hygiene solutions worldwide.