Evidence-Based Practice: Hand Washing Methods Comparison Report

This report examines the effectiveness of hand washing methods, specifically comparing soap and water to alcohol-based hand sanitizers in a healthcare setting. The assignment is based on a study conducted in a hospital, where participants were exposed to E-coli bacteria and then instructed to wash their hands using either soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers. The study found that hand washing with soap and water was more effective in removing the bacteria. The report provides a detailed analysis of the study's methodology and results, referencing relevant literature to support the findings. It also discusses the importance of proper hand washing techniques and the limitations of alcohol-based sanitizers in eliminating all types of germs. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of soap and water for effective hand hygiene and the need for adherence to proper hand washing procedures. This report is a valuable resource for understanding the best practices in hand hygiene.

EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE 1
Evidence based practice
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EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE 2
Evidence based practice
Hand hygiene is the act of cleaning hands to prevent spread of infections and
microorganisms from one person to another (Mara, 2017, p.100). One can clean hands by either
use of water and soap or alcohol based hand sanitizers. Hand sanitizers kill germs whenever they
come into contact with them. When washing hands with soap, germs and dirt attached to the
natural skin are lifted and suspended by water. This paper will look at a study taken in Aden
Brookes hospital in United Kingdom to compare the two types of hand washing.
The study involved women with children below the age of 10 years suffering from
diarrhea. One of the group was to do hand washing with soap and the other alcohol based
sanitizers. They were supposed to wash hands before giving food to their children. In order to
come up with the best results, nurses put an e-coli bacteria on everyone’s hand to see which
product will swipe it best. E-coli is a form of bacteria found in human beings or animals and can
cause diarrhea (Elizabeth & Nancie 2010, p.70)
After the experiment, they swabbed their hands to see if the bacteria has been swiped
away. The study showed that, hand wash with water and soap gave the best results whereby the
e-coli bacteria was swiped away. In this case, water and soap was seen as the best ingredients for
washing hands.
Alcohol based sanitizers tend to kill germs although Jordan & Sharon (2014, p.300)
argues that, they does not kill all germs that come into contact with it. Also, when rubbing hands,
a person may not rub all the parts of the hand hence leaving some bacteria. Alcohol based
sanitizers can only kill a small percentage of bacteria therefore nurses did not consider it as the
best way of cleaning hands.

EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE 3
Washing hands with soap and water clears all the visible and invisible bacteria on the
skin which alcohol based sanitizers cannot cut through (Fortier & George 2017, p. 100). In this
case, water is able to reach all parts of the hands hence swiping away e-coli bacteria on the skins.
The soap makes the bacteria to spread easily hence making it easy to be swiped by the water.
Although water and soap are the best ingredients for washing hands, there is a procedure one
should follow to ensure they are clean and free from germs. One should run his or her hands
under a clean water, lather them and fingers with soap, scrub for 20 seconds and then rinse with a
clean water (Fortier & George 2017, p. 110). After rinsing, one can dry them using a clean towel
or let them to dry on their own.

EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE 4
References
Elizabeth, S & Nancie, H. 2010, An In-Home Video Study and Questionnaire Survey of Food
Preparation, Kitchen Sanitation, and Hand Washing Practices, Journal of Environmental Health,
Vol. 72, No. 10,P.40-100
Fortier, YW & George, E. 2017, the Visible Hand: The Role of Government in China's Long-
Awaited Industrial Revolution, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Review, Vol. 98, No. 3, P.70-
130
Jordan, W & Sharon, C. 2014, Preventing Diseases and Outbreaks at Child Care Centers Using
an Education, Evaluation, and Inspection Method, Journal of Environmental Health, Vol. 76,
No. 7, P. 70-400
Mara, S. 2017, Healthy Nutrition and Health-Washing Corporate Discourses across Three
Organizations in the Fast Food and Soft Drinks Industry, Journal of Comparative Research in
Anthropology and Sociology, Vol. 8, No. 1, P.90-200