When should handwashing occur for patients in reverse isolation?

Handwashing before and after service to the patient in reverse isolation is crucial for several reasons. Reverse isolation is utilized to protect immunocompromised patients from infections due to their heightened vulnerability. These patients may have weakened immune systems due to conditions such as cancer treatment, organ transplants, or other serious illnesses.

By washing hands before providing care, healthcare workers reduce the risk of introducing pathogens to the patient's environment, which could lead to serious infections. Additionally, handwashing after interacting with the patient helps to eliminate any potential contaminants that may have come into contact with the healthcare worker during the service.

This practice supports overall infection control protocols and aligns with guidelines that emphasize the importance of hand hygiene in protecting both patients and healthcare providers. It ensures that all possible avenues through which infections could be transmitted are mitigated, making it a fundamental practice in scenarios like reverse isolation.