Survey on hand hygiene compliance of health care workers in a tertiary hospital

Objective To investigate hand hygiene compliance of health care workers(HCWs)in a tertiary hospital,and to explore effective methods to improve hand hygiene compliance.Methods By direct observation method,hand hygiene compliance and practice among HCWs in 23 clinical departments were surveyed in September-December 2012,and hand hygiene compliance monitor forms were filled in.Results A total of 721 opportunities of hand hygiene were recorded,overall compliance rate of hand hygiene was 58.53%,32.18% used instant hand antiseptic,26.35%selected running water,and 19.42% wore gloves without taking hand hygiene measures.For different occupations,hand hygiene compliance among nurses was the highest(68.65%),and cleaners was the lowest(39.25%).Of the five moments for hand hygiene,hand hygiene compliance after body fluid exposure was the highest(73.75%),followed by the moment after touching apatient(65.00%),while the moment after touching patients' surroundings was the lowest(47.85%).Conclusion Hand hygiene compliance of HCWs needs to be improved,and the management should be further strengthened,corresponding measures should be taken for different personnel.