Moment 1 - Before Touching a Patient

Download WMV version (right click on link and select Save Target As..)

WHY:

To protect the patient against acquiring harmful germs from the hands of the HCW

WHEN:

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
 
 


 TO PREVENT:

HCWs may have any number of organisms on their hands, if there is no hand hygiene prior to touching the patient these micro-organisms can be transferred to the patient.