Abstract

Poor hand-hygiene (HH) is the primary cause of health-care related infections, yet compliance has proven to be challenging. This multi-method study into HH in a state-of-the-art cancer hospital demonstrates that the presence of resources and prioritisation of HH alone is not sufficient for HH compliance. A large gap was found between perceived (87%) and actual (52%) HH compliance and knowledge. Similarly, although 82% of the respondents knew proper HH moments, they did not act on it. These gaps between perception and reality suggest that resources, knowledge and training might not be sufficient for improving HH: Psychological barriers need to be addressed too.

Details

Title
Mind the mind: Results of a hand-hygiene research in a state-of-the-art cancer hospital
Author
Dalen, R; Gombert, K; Bhattacharya, S; Datta, S
Pages
280-2
Publication year
2013
Publication date
Jul-Sep 2013
Publisher
Elsevier Limited
ISSN
02550857
e-ISSN
19983646
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
1427311939
Copyright
Copyright Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd Jul-Sep 2013