PDI has launched a new hand hygiene product to help bridge a gap in infection prevention: how to make hand hygiene readily available for at-risk and bedbound patients. Specifically designed for patients, the Sani-Hands® Bedside Pack provides an accessible and effective hand-hygiene product at the bed side to reduce transmission of pathogenic microorganisms by patients.
"It is widely accepted by infection preventionists that patients can help minimize their risk of infection by cleaning their hands often, especially after interacting with healthcare workers, touching objects such as remote controls, bed pans and even themselves," says Dr. J. Hudson Garrett, Jr., director of clinical affairs at PDI. "Many infections actually come directly from patients own flora found on their skin. Because of their limited mobility, bedbound patients can go a long time without washing their hands. This lack of hand hygiene coupled with a fragile medical status puts them at higher risk for infection."
Hand hygiene has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization as the single most important intervention to reduce the transmission of germs and disease. Bedbound patient hand hygiene in critical care environments (CCU, ICU, SICU, oncology, hematology and dialysis) is a frequently missed opportunity to break the chain of transmission and reduce healthcare associated infections. A dedicated option for patients and their visitors can help increase awareness of hand hygiene practices, and help facilities improve patient satisfaction scores and comply with National Patient Safety Goal 7, issued by the Joint Commission.
Containing 20 Sani-Hands® wipes in a resealable package, the Bedside Pack provides a conscious bedbound patient a sufficient number of wipes for a typical stay in a hospital, including use before meals and after using the bathroom. With a CDC-compliant 65.9 percent alcohol formula, Sani-Hands® Instant Hand Sanitizing Wipes are clinically proven to be more effective at killing germs and bacteria than the leading gel instant hand sanitizer. Sani-Hands® wipes remove dirt while sanitizing, leaving skin feeling clean and moisturized, not sticky.
IDEA in Action: A Strategic Approach to Contamination Control
January 14th 2025Adopting IDEA—identify, define, explain, apply—streamlines contamination control. Infection control professionals can mitigate risks through prevention, intervention, and training, ensuring safer health care environments and reducing frequent contamination challenges.
Top 7 Infection Control Today Articles of 2024: Insights and Innovations
December 30th 2024From advanced sterilization methods to combating antimicrobial resistance, Infection Control Today’s top articles of 2024 delivered actionable strategies for safer healthcare environments and improved patient outcomes.
Redefining Competency: A Comprehensive Framework for Infection Preventionists
December 19th 2024Explore APIC’s groundbreaking framework for defining and documenting infection preventionist competency. Christine Zirges, DNP, ACNS-BC, CIC, FAPIC, shares insights on advancing professional growth, improving patient safety, and navigating regulatory challenges.
Pula General Hospital Celebrates Clean Hospitals
December 16th 2024Learn how Pula General Hospital in Croatia championed infection prevention and environmental hygiene and celebrated Clean Hospitals Day to honor cleaning staff and promote advanced practices for exceptional patient care and safety.
Tackling Health Care-Associated Infections: SHEA’s Bold 10-Year Research Plan to Save Lives
December 12th 2024Discover SHEA's visionary 10-year plan to reduce HAIs by advancing infection prevention strategies, understanding transmission, and improving diagnostic practices for better patient outcomes.
Environmental Hygiene: Air Pressure and Ventilation: Negative vs Positive Pressure
December 10th 2024Learn more about how effective air pressure regulation in health care facilities is crucial for controlling airborne pathogens like tuberculosis and COVID-19, ensuring a safer environment for all patients and staff.