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Hand hygiene-beliefs or science?

S Hugonnet1, D Pittet

  • 1Infection Control Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|February 13, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Despite Semmelweis's findings over a century ago, healthcare workers often neglect hand hygiene, increasing nosocomial infections. Research highlights factors like workload and beliefs hindering compliance, necessitating targeted interventions for better adherence.

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Area of Science:

  • Infection Control
  • Healthcare Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Ignaz P. Semmelweis established the link between hand hygiene and hospital-acquired infections over 100 years ago.
  • Despite this, compliance with hand hygiene protocols remains suboptimal among many healthcare workers.
  • This contributes to the ongoing challenge of preventing microorganism cross-transmission in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the persistent low compliance rates with hand hygiene among healthcare workers.
  • To identify and analyze the scientific data, myths, and beliefs influencing hand hygiene adherence.
  • To inform the development of effective promotion campaigns and interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of observational and intervention studies on hand hygiene compliance.

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  • Analysis of identified risk factors associated with non-compliance.
  • Assessment of potential barriers such as skin irritation, knowledge gaps, and institutional policies.

    • Main Results:

    • Consistent identification of risk factors for non-compliance including high workload, professional category, and ward type.
    • Potential barriers like skin irritation, lack of knowledge, and absence of institutional policy require further assessment.
    • Existing scientific data is sometimes misinterpreted due to myths and beliefs.

    Conclusions:

    • Future hand hygiene promotion interventions must address identified risk factors.
    • Successful interventions require targeting individual healthcare workers, groups, and institutions.
    • Comprehensive strategies are needed to overcome barriers and improve hand hygiene compliance effectively.