Does hand washing help prevent infection in the ICU?

Yes, hand washing is the number one way that infection can be prevented. Generally speaking all healthcare providers should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol based hand sanitizer before and after patient contact. Family members should do the same.

Yes, handwashing helps prevent infections in the ICU. It is very important that all nurses, doctors, and other hospital staff wash their hands before and after they come in contact with the patient. Family members should be taught how to wash their hands and how important it is in preventing infections. Many hospital have hand sanitizer's inside and right outside of patient's rooms. It is okay if the patient and/or family member asks the nurse/doctor/hospital staff to wash their hands if they notice they have not.

Handwashing is one of the most important things we can do to prevent infections. It is especially important in the ICU.  Although health care practitioners understand the relationship of handwashing and infections there are times when proper hand hygiene is not followed. Hands should be washed before and after every patient contact in all settings.

Hand washing is very important in preventing the spread of infection in the ICU. Intensive Care Unit patients usually have very weakened immune systems and are more susceptible to catching an infection.