WHEN:
Perform hand hygiene on entering the patient’s zone before touching the patient
WHY:
To protect the patient against acquiring harmful germs from the hands of the HCW
In detail:
| Touching a patient in any way | Shaking hands, Assisting a patient to move, Allied health interventions, Touching any medical device connected to the patient (eg. IV pump, IDC) |
| Any personal care activities | Bathing, Dressing, Brushing hair, Putting on personal aids such as glasses |
| Any non-invasive observations | Taking a pulse, Blood pressure, Oxygen saturation, Temperature, Chest auscultation, Abdominal palpation, Applying ECG electrodes, CTG |
| Any non-invasive treatment | Applying an oxygen mask or nasal cannula, Fitting slings/braces, Application of incontinence aids (including condom drainage) |
| Preparation and administration of oral medications | Oral medications, Nebulised medications |
| Oral care and feeding | Feeding a patient, Brushing teeth or dentures |
