Introduction: Hand hygiene in the delivery room is essential for the safety of both the newborn and the mother. Neonatal colonisation with microorganisms begins during labour and immediately after birth, including through the hands of healthcare professionals present at delivery, which may carry transient and resident microbiota. Newborns are highly susceptible to infection because their immune system is still developing. Colonisation with appropriate microorganisms is crucial for immune system development. Infants who remain hospitalised for longer periods tend to harbour a higher proportion of pathogenic bacteria on their skin as a result of exposure to the hospital environment. Hand hygiene among healthcare workers is therefore likely to play an important role in preventing bacterial transmission. Purpose: The first aim of this thesis was to review professional and scientific literature on the microbiota present on the hands of staff working in delivery rooms. The second aim was to conduct a preliminary study involving hand sampling of staff employed at one Slovenian maternity hospital. Particular attention was paid to the possible presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which could pose a risk to newborns. Methods: The thesis employed a descriptive method based on the collection and review of selected literature on hand hygiene among healthcare workers in the delivery room and neonatal colonisation. In addition, a preliminary study was conducted on the presence of microorganisms on the hands of 30 midwives at the beginning and at the end of their shift in the delivery room. Hand swabs and fingertip imprints were collected and analysed in the microbiology laboratory of the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana. Results: A reduction in the number of bacterial colonies in hand swab samples was observed at the end of the shift compared with the beginning. No MRSA was detected using the method applied. Fungi were also not isolated from the hands of the midwives. Discussion and conclusion: The results of our preliminary study are consistent with findings reported in other studies. Hand hygiene remains the single most important measure for preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections. The findings of our preliminary research indicate an appropriate level of hand hygiene among midwives. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has developed guidelines for healthcare staff working in delivery rooms and postnatal units, reflecting its strong commitment to the safety of mothers and newborns. Through the “Five Moments for Hand Hygiene,” WHO seeks to emphasise the importance of proper hand hygiene. However, it remains the responsibility of healthcare institutions to promote hand hygiene even more actively in everyday clinical practice.
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