Purpose

To establish clear, evidence‑based hand hygiene requirements for all therapists providing care in the clinic, consistent with the World Health Organization (WHO) “Five Moments for Hand Hygiene” and other nationally recognized infection‑control standards. This policy ensures the safety of patients, staff, and visitors by reducing the risk of healthcare‑associated infections. Hand hygiene, including the use of alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) and handwashing with soap and water, is critical to reduce the risk of spreading infections in outpatient settings. 

Policy

All therapists must perform hand hygiene according to WHO‑aligned best practices. Hand hygiene is required before, during, and after patient care activities, after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces, and whenever hands are visibly soiled. Therapists are responsible for following this policy at all times.  

LifeCare Staff are expected to maintain hand hygiene per policy and carry ABHS (alcohol-based hand sanitizer) to ensure it can be performed safely and effectively in any environment. Ensure the hand sanitizer that you use has at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands.

When to Perform: 

 

Therapists must perform hand hygiene at the following times, consistent with WHO’s Five Moments:

1. Before touching a patient

2. Before clean or aseptic procedures (e.g., wound care, handling clean equipment)

3. After exposure or potential exposure to bodily fluids

4. After touching a patient

5. After touching patient surroundings (e.g., treatment tables, equipment, linens)

Additional required moments include:

1. Before donning gloves and after removing gloves

2. Before handling food or oral appliances

3. After coughing, sneezing, or touching face, hair, or personal items

4. After using the restroom

How to Wash Your Hands

 

Washing your hands is easy and one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can help stop germs from spreading from one person to another and in our communities—including your home, workplace, schools, and childcare facilities. Follow these five steps every time.

• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

• Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer

Alcohol‑Based Hand Rub (ABHR of 60+% alcohol) may be used when hands are not visibly soiled. Proper technique is to:

• Apply product to palm of one hand

• Rub hands together, covering all surfaces

• Continue rubbing until hands are completely dry

Compliance & Accountability

 

Therapists are expected to follow this policy without exception. Failure to comply may result in retraining, corrective action, or other measures consistent with organizational policy.  Periodic handwash auditing will be performed with results maintained in your personnel record. Handwashing is audited when a therapist begins work in the clinic, when a need or concern is identified as part of routine audits, and when indicated by policy or protocol.