title: Exploring physician hand hygiene practices and perceptions in 2 community-based Canadian hospitals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to explore the self-reported hand hygiene practices and the predictors of hand hygiene among physicians in a midsize Canadian city.
  
  
  METHODS
  A descriptive cross-sectional survey using self-report questionnaire administered to a complete list of 354 local physicians. Perception of proper compliance was defined in a participant if he/she indicated performance of hand hygiene before and after every patient contact at least 80% of the time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred fifty-four physicians completed the questionnaire, yielding a 44.9% response rate. Only 45.3% of our sample reported performing preprocedure and postprocedure hand hygiene at least 80% of the time. Stepwise logistic regression results suggested that the variables "presence of hand hygiene auditing" (odds ratio [OR], 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.47-6.91), "being too busy" (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.20-0.90), "forgetfulness" (OR, 0.27; 95%, CI, 0.13-0.56), and "the perception that hand hygiene products are damaging to the skin" (OR, 0.31;95% CI, 0.11-0.88) were the only independent predictors of physician hand hygiene compliance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hand hygiene compliance among physicians remains an issue. The findings emphasize the need of health-care institutions to prioritize hand hygiene by ensuring proper promotion and enforcement of current policies to all practicing HCPs.
authors: Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada.
authors: Mackenzie
authors: M
authors: Budimir-Hussey
authors: Lucas
authors: L
authors: Ciprietti
authors: Fawad
authors: F
authors: Ahmed
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: Tarola
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Lo
authors: Maher
authors: M
authors: El-Masri
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D063373:Hand Hygiene / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires