Coursework.Info - Inspiration in an Instant

On the left is an image preview of every page of this document, and below are the first 150 words with formatting removed:

Handwashing. In 1847 Ignaz P. Semmelweis performed what is believed to be the first study to demonstrate that effective handwashing decreased the potential for cross-infection. His study showed that handwashing had a major part to play in controlling infection. This essay shall explain why handwashing and it's guidelines are important in healthcare and as Semmelweis found their important role in infection control. It shall also explore the variety of substances that can be used in the procedure and their relevance. Handwashing or hand hygiene is an important measure for preventing cross-transmission of micro-organisms. Reybrouck (1986) says that the purpose of handwashing is to reduce the load on the hands of these said micro-organisms. Indeed, McCulloch (1998) also acknowledges it's importance, determining the procedure as being the most principle within infection control. Micro-organisms naturally live on the skin, they are known as resident flora. Embedded deep and impossible to completely eradicate, they are...

Get instant access

• Instant, unlimited access to our documents in full
• Swap your work for free access, or pay £4.99
• To see the full version of this document and 146,209 others

OR

Receive email updates for this category

• Simply tell us your email address and receive a weekly Study Help Email for FREE
• Receive 3 FREE essay views with each email
• Get all the latest essays from Coursework.Info & discussion from TheStudentRoom.co.uk