Lack of knowledge hurts hand hygiene compliance, study says

Researchers talked to noncompliant healthcare workers to study hand washing habits

By Healthcare Facilities Today


A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control talked to noncompliant healthcare workers to study hand hygiene habits according to an article on the Becker's Clinical Quality & Infection Control website.

Of the 207 explanations for skipped hand hygiene, 69 percent were attributable to reasons of memory, attention or decision-making and knowledge, according to the article. Of the memory/attention/decision-making category (44 percent), healthcare workers cited memory, loss of concentration and distraction by interruptions as factors contributing to noncompliance. Of the knowledge category (25 percent), healthcare workers citied lack of knowledge of specific hand hygiene indications 

The researchers concluded hand hygiene compliance could benefit from interventions targeted toward automatic associative learning and conscious decision-making, the article said.

Read the article.

 

 



February 12, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Probiotic Cleaning: A Complementary Strategy for Safer Hospital Floors

Managers seeking more resilient approaches to environmental hygiene are turning to probiotic systems to supplement traditional disinfection.


VITAS Healthcare Breaks Ground on New Inpatient Hospice Center in Florida

The 14,000-square-foot VITAS inpatient hospice center will open in 2027 and serve 500+ patients annually.


Mile Bluff Medical Center Disrupted by Data Security Event

While some services experienced limited and temporary interruptions, the impact has been narrow in scope.


The Proper Way to Use Cleaning Carts

Environmental services use cleaning carts every day, but they are often overlooked. Keeping them clean and properly stocked is key to preventing infection in healthcare facilities.


JPS Health Network Breaks Ground on New Hospital

The project includes construction of a new inpatient hospital and expansion of the existing Pavilion.


 
 


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.