When must health care workers perform hand hygiene?

Health care workers must perform hand hygiene before and after giving care to ensure the safety of both patients and themselves. This practice is crucial in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Performing hand hygiene before providing care helps reduce the risk of transmitting pathogens to the patient, which is essential for maintaining infection control standards. Likewise, performing hand hygiene after giving care is equally important, as it helps to eliminate any contaminants that may have been transferred from the patient or the surrounding environment. This two-step approach effectively minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and contributes to better health outcomes.

The emphasis on both before and after patient interactions underscores the importance of continuous vigilance in infection prevention practices within healthcare settings.