How often should a healthcare worker wash their hands?

Hand hygiene is a crucial component of infection control in healthcare settings. The recommendation for healthcare workers to wash their hands before and after every patient interaction stems from the need to reduce the risk of transmitting infections to and from patients. This practice helps to eliminate pathogens that may be present on the hands, thereby safeguarding both the healthcare worker and the patients from potential infections.

Washing hands before patient contact prevents the introduction of bacteria or viruses from the worker to the patient, while washing after contact helps to remove any potential contaminants that may have been acquired during the interaction. This frequency is endorsed by health organizations to promote a safe healthcare environment, highlighting the importance of consistent and thorough hand hygiene.