Impact of handwashing on mortality in intensive care: examination of the evidence.
Our highest priority should be to increase compliance with hand hygiene guidelines. It is food for thought that in several studies the group with the lowest compliance in intensive care settings is intensive care physicians. It is a reasonable assumption that they are role models for the rest of the ICU staff. Studies on practical and efficient means to increase compliance with hand hygiene guidelines and to influence behavior surely are needed more than are elaborate and sophisticated studies on the effects of handwashing.
Nyström
B
B
Department of Clinical Microbiology, Huddinge University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006225:Hand / Q000382:microbiology; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D017052:Hospital Mortality; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012915:Soaps / Q000494:pharmacology
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D012915:Soaps