At what point should hand hygiene be performed according to best practices?

Hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the transmission of infections and maintaining overall health in healthcare settings. The best practices dictate that hand hygiene should be performed both before and after contact with residents, as well as during various care procedures. This includes activities such as administering medications, assisting with personal care, and anytime there is a potential risk of contamination.

Performing hand hygiene before resident contact helps reduce the risk of introducing pathogens to the resident's environment. Likewise, practicing it after providing care ensures that any contaminants transferred during the interaction are removed, protecting both the caregiver and the resident.

This approach aligns with guidelines established by health organizations that emphasize the importance of hand hygiene as a primary line of defense against infections, ensuring a safer environment for both residents and healthcare workers.