What is the benefit of using pocket-sized ABHR for staff?

The use of pocket-sized alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) has significant advantages that enhance infection prevention practices among healthcare staff. One of the primary benefits is that it enables staff to perform hand hygiene when access to sinks and traditional handwashing facilities is limited. This is particularly important in a nursing home setting where staff may be moving between patient rooms, providing care, or in situations where immediate access to handwashing facilities is not available.

Having ABHR readily accessible encourages more frequent and timely hand hygiene practices, which is essential in reducing the transmission of infections. Staff can easily use the ABHR at the point of care, thereby ensuring that they maintain proper hand hygiene even when they are unable to wash their hands with soap and water. This convenience ultimately supports better adherence to infection control protocols and helps protect both staff and residents from healthcare-associated infections.