What type of hand hygiene is preferred at Houston Methodist?

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are preferred for hand hygiene at Houston Methodist due to their effectiveness in reducing the number of germs on the hands. They are convenient for use in various settings, particularly when soap and water are not readily available, and they act quickly to eliminate bacteria and viruses.

The use of alcohol-based sanitizers is recommended over other methods, as they typically contain a higher concentration of alcohol, which enhances their germicidal properties. They also dry quickly, minimizing the time healthcare workers need to spend on hand hygiene, thus improving compliance and overall patient safety.

While soap and water are essential in certain situations, particularly when hands are visibly soiled, they may not always be as effective in killing pathogens as alcohol-based products. Hand lotion, while important for maintaining skin health, does not have disinfecting properties and does not contribute to hand hygiene practices. Disposable hand wipes are useful for cleaning surfaces but do not replace the need for effective hand hygiene based on infection control guidelines.