Variability in hand hygiene practices among internal medicine interns

Am J Infect Control. 2013 Nov;41(11):1107-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2013.03.303.

Abstract

Hand hygiene compliance remains suboptimal among physicians despite quality improvement efforts. We observed hand hygiene compliance among 29 medicine interns at 2 large academic institutions. Overall compliance was 75%. Although 4 interns averaged <40% compliance, 14 averaged at least 80%. Given variability observed among individuals in the same training programs, targeting those with poor performance may be important in improving overall compliance.

Keywords: Graduate medical education; Patient safety; Prevention; Quality of care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cross Infection / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Guideline Adherence / statistics & numerical data*
  • Hand Hygiene / methods*
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Internal Medicine*
  • Internship and Residency*
  • Male
  • Physicians*