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Hand Hygiene Basics

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New Update (Sept 2026): The Provincial Hand Hygiene Basics Course has been revised and updated! 


handwash_moduleHand Hygiene Basics is an e-learning self-paced course that provides foundational knowledge and practical guidance on hand hygiene in health care settings. The course supports health care workers in applying effective hand hygiene practices to help prevent the transmission of microorganisms and reduce the risk of health care-associated infections.

Learners can select their specific care setting and apply concepts through practical examples and scenarios relevant to their area of practice.

Target Audience: Health care workers who provide care or services within health care settings

Estimated Time: Approximately 20–30 minutes.

Course Topics Learning Objectives
  • The role of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of microorganisms
  • Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) and soap and water: indications and techniques
  • The moments for hand hygiene
  • The patient environment and health care environment
  • Applying hand hygiene principles in different care settings
  • Factors that impair effective hand hygiene
  • Hand hygiene in relation to glove use
  • Practices that support hand skin integrity and effective hand hygiene

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  • Explain the role of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of microorganisms in health care settings.
  • Demonstrate appropriate hand hygiene practices, including selecting the correct method and performing the correct technique.
  • Apply the Moments for Hand Hygiene and Patient Environment concepts within their care setting.
  • Apply practices that optimize hand hygiene effectiveness, including maintaining hand skin integrity, addressing factors that impair effective hand hygiene, and performing hand hygiene appropriately in relation to glove use.

Access the Course

The course is available through the PHSA LearningHub as:

Course #5360 – Provincial Hand Hygiene Basics

Acknowledgements

PHHWG logoThe Hand Hygiene Basics course was revised in collaboration with the Provincial Hand Hygiene Working Group and the Hand Hygiene Course Task Group. PICNet gratefully acknowledges the contributions of these groups, as well as the many provincial partners, reviewers, and subject matter experts who provided feedback throughout the course development process.

PICNet also acknowledges the WorkDay Project Team for their expertise and support in converting the course to Articulate, providing advice on course development, and facilitating revisions to enhance the learner experience.

Additional Course Information

The Hand Hygiene Basics course is hosted on the PHSA Learning Hub, where you can track your courses and print a certificate after completion. Anyone (from any health authority, or from any non-affiliated site) can create an account on the Learning Hub; all you need to provide is your name and an email address. You can find instructions on how to create an account here.

Please note: For any issues with your LearningHub account, including creating/updating your account, completing the modules, and/or printing your certificate, please contact learninghubadmin@phsa.ca, not PICNet. Thanks!

Additional Hand Hygiene Related Education Modules:

Hand Care

Hand Hygiene for Volunteers