Healthcare workers report hand hygiene compliance - even with failures

Study shows providers are recording hand hygiene compliance as much higher than their actual compliance rates

By Healthcare Facilities Today


Healthcare providers are recording hand hygiene compliance as much higher than their actual compliance rates, according to research in the American Journal of Infection Control.

According to an article on the Becker's Hospital Review website, researchers gathered data on hand hygiene at the point of decision-making by providing participants with personal digital assistants for use in three 2-hour periods.

At the beginning of the study, each participant recorded on the assistant what they thought they should do for hand hygiene. After that, they recorded what they actually did, the article said.

Only 20 percent of physicians, 28 percent of nurses and 66 percent of physiotherapists always performed hand hygiene up to their self-reported standards, the article said.

All groups rated their compliance higher than these rates, according to the study. Researchers concluded that there is a disconnect between staff understanding of compliance and observation of hand hygiene guidelines.

Read the article.

 



February 19, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Wanted: Scientific Standard for Hospital Cleaning

No accepted criteria exist for defining a surface as clean using microbiologic methods.


NLCS Strengthens Safety and Compliance with Comprehensive Electrical Program

Case study: A renewed partnership with Siemens helps the senior living provider meet NFPA 70B standards, reduce risk, and enhance reliability across its communities.


Sun Valley Surgery Center Suffers a Data Breach

On September 3, 2025, SVSC became aware of a potential issue involving SVSC’s information systems.


EV Charging Stations: Planning for Safety, Convenience, Expansion

Managers need to ensure patient access, coordinate with clinical operations and ensure every phase of construction supports the facility's mission.


Why Ambulatory Surgery Centers Are Turning to Dedicated HVAC Systems

Design experts from Neenan Archistruction explain how single-unit HVAC systems for each operating room enhance infection control, comfort, and resiliency.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.