April 21, 2000

FYI: Hand hygiene initiative begins

A hospitalwide hand hygiene initiative begins April 24 with the introduction of Cal Stat, a waterless hand disinfectant that will be supplied to all inpatient units. The goal of the initiative is to reduce the number of hospital-acquired infections for patients and employees.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recently released a report that says infections contracted in hospitals are responsible for as many as 88,000 patient deaths each year. The report recommends that using simple measures such as better hand hygiene by health care workers could reduce this number.

"Hand washing and disinfecting are important defenses against spreading germs from one patient to another and for reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired infections," says Cy Hopkins, MD, director of the MGH Infection Control Unit. "Hospitals across the country, including the MGH, are increasing their efforts to fight off these infections. It is better for patients and ultimately can reduce the length of stay in the hospital."

Studies have shown that alcohol-based hand gels, such as Cal Stat, are more effective than soap and water in removing bacteria from hands and are just as effective as medicated soap products. A small amount of Cal Stat works immediately by killing germs on contact. Use of these waterless antiseptic gels also results in improved compliance with hand hygiene practice.

Cal Stat replaces the previous product used at the hospital called Foam Care. Cal Stat is made of isopropyl alcohol to disinfect and skin softeners to reduce drying of skin.

"This product can be used instead of hand washing for most routine patient contact," says Brian French, RN, of the Center for Clinical and Professional Development for Patient Care Services and a member of the hand disinfection task force. "Hand washing with soap and water still is warranted if your hands are visibly soiled, but employees should remember that disinfecting is best for routine contact with patients. And because water and paper towels aren’t needed with Cal Stat, clinicians will find it more convenient to use and hopefully will use it more frequently."

Cal Stat dispensers will be located on every patient unit, at the entrance to each patient room and at each sink.

For more information about Cal Stat, call the Infection Control Unit at 6-2036.