Why has it been necessary for WHO to issue Hand Hygiene Guidelines?
Many countries already have some form of guide on hand hygiene, however, the WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care (Advanced Draft) have been subject to a unique process of development and testing. This makes them useful to many national safety and infection control bodies for the added value they bring to previous efforts to improve hand hygiene. The guidelines build on the rigour of the 2002 CDC Guidelines, but update them with many extras and give a more global perspective ideally applicable to any country regardless of the resources available.. The WHO Guidelines have also been used as a template for the production of a large number of tools included in a comprehensive implementation strategy, a unique feature designed to facilitate local adaptation and implementation.
Related Questions
- Can the WHO Hand Hygiene Guidelines and implementation strategies be used in health-care settings other than hospitals (ambulatory care, long-term care facilities)?
- Does Joint Commission require implementation of all the recommendations in the CDC or WHO hand hygiene guidelines?
- Can the Hand Hygiene Guidelines be used outside of health care?
