title: Hand hygiene as a caring practice: a reflection on professional responsibility.
abstract: Hand hygiene represents a fundamental nursing care practice and is traditionally considered the most important and effective measure in the prevention and control of healthcare-related infections. However, studies indicate that adherence to the procedure is unsatisfactory throughout the world, and show low adherence rates. In a context in which patient safety stands out as a priority, this text submits refl ections about professional responsibility when not adhering to hand hygiene practices, and ethical aspects related to this conduct.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Nursing Departament, Paulista School of Nursing, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Aline Santa Cruz
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Belela-Anacleto
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Nursing Departament, Paulista School of Nursing, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria Angélica Sorgini
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Peterlini
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Nursing Departament, Paulista School of Nursing, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mavilde da Luz Gonçalves
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Pedreira
mesh_terms: D063373:Hand Hygiene / Q000592:standards*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology* / Q000592:standards