Simplification des mesures d'hygiène dans la prévention des infections nosocomiales

The poor compliance of healthcare workers with hand washing constantly reported in observational studies published for 20 years led to re-consider hand hygiene techniques in terms of efficacy and feasibility in routine practice. Considering the heavy workload of healthcare workers, the urgent need for a more rapid and more accessible hand hygiene technique was acknowledged. Hand rubbing with a waterless alcohol-based product was then proposed. Hand rubbing also proved to be more effective and less deleterious for the skin than hand washing with soap and water. The adequate use of gloves is a major element of the policy of improvement of hand hygiene. Gloves used continuously without change between care activities are a factor limiting the observance of hand hygiene and a source of transmission of infections. We should take the opportunity of the implementation of hand rubbing to revise patient's isolation strategies and to promote a strict application of the standard precautions for all patients.