SC Johnson Professional recently launched their widest and most complete range of hand sanitisers yet – with foam, gel and alcohol-free formats. Making different options available to healthcare professionals can help improve hand hygiene compliance through products that people prefer to use, thus potentially having a significant impact on the reduction of Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs).
The NHS estimates that 20-40% of all HCAIs could be prevented – with hand hygiene frequently ‘well below’ 40% according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Existing advice and best practices are in place, such as the WHO’s 5-Moments for Hand Hygiene, but the right products are needed for full compliance.
There is clear evidence that alcohol-based sanitisers provide the best broad-spectrum biocidal efficacy in the shortest time frame, with SC Johnson Professional’s foam and gel killing 99.999% of many common germs in just 20 to 30 seconds. However, there are circumstances where alcohol-free sanitisers can be preferable, including situations where vulnerable patients are present. The SC Johnson Professional range allows providers and healthcare facilities to tailor their product offerings accordingly, dependent on patient, situation and time. In this article we explore where alcohol free hand sanitiser is best used, and when it is most appropriate.
Vulnerable patients
Caring for young, vulnerable and dependent patients is perhaps one of the most obvious situations in which alcohol-free hand sanitiser would be appropriate. The death of a patient in Hull Royal Infirmary in 2017 raised awareness of this; confused, the elderly patient consumed 535ml of alcohol-based hand sanitiser located at the end of his bed. His death was linked to the consumption of a high percentage alcohol, as reported by BBC News.
When using alcohol-based hand sanitiser with vulnerable patients, the risk is that less product is displayed on wards to avoid the tragic situation in Hull resulting in less access for staff – which in turn comes with its own challenges when complying with hand hygiene best practice. For mental health facilities, paediatric wards and elderly care facilities, where accidental mis-use of alcohol-based sanitisers could occur, the benefits of alcohol-free hand sanitiser are clear.
Patients with a history of substance abuse
In locations where alcohol and drug addiction patients are being treated, it can be inappropriate to have an alcohol-based sanitiser as it can be deliberately misused. In such instances, use of alcohol-free hand sanitisers can remove the risk of deliberate mis-use, reduce additional risk assessment requirements whilst maintaining good hand hygiene practices.
Main entrance areas
Again, linked to vulnerable patients and exposure to the public, alcohol free hand sanitisers are also best placed in main entrance areas and easy access locations to deter potential misuse by people able to access this area. In 2009 and again in 2015, the BBC reported that some NHS trusts had removed alcohol based sanitisers from reception and entrance areas in a bid to stop visitors drinking it or stealing it.
SC Johnson Professional’s Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitiser provides a safe, effective sanitiser option. Killing 99.99% of many common germs and viruses, the sanitiser is proven not to dry hands, even after repeated use, maintaining the skin’s natural pH balance. The broad-spectrum hand sanitiser has been developed to be gentle to skin and is perfume and dye-free, meaning a reduced risk of potential skin irritation.
The new range brings a complete set of safe, effective options for healthcare workers, offering the ability to select the best solution for all potential situations. The sanitisers can be located where they are needed, to encourage compliance, and are clear and safe for use. Sanitising is widely recognised as a vital part of hand hygiene for healthcare professionals, killing pathogens on the skin without a need for water. A rounded range, complete with all formats, SC Johnson Professional can offer a uniquely balanced viewpoint and can recommend products where most appropriate to provide best practice and minimise risk.
Find out more information on SC Johnson Professional’s hand sanitiser products here.
