Despite Prodding, Patients Remain Reluctant to Ask Healthcare Workers About Handwashing
Even when they are explicitly encouraged to do so, many patients are reluctant to ask healthcare workersespecially doctorsif they have washed their hands before administering treatment, according to a pilot study published in the May 2012 issue of the journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.
In the study, patients in an Australian hospital were given a brochure that gave them permission to ask their healthcare workers if they had washed their hands. Even with this encouragement, patients were willing to confront healthcare workers less than half the time. Patients responded that they would ask nurses to clean their hands only 67 percent of the time.
Patients were more reluctant to question doctors, asking them about their hand hygiene only 43 percent of the time. The French proverb that states a doctor is often more to be feared than the disease is relevant, because doctors consistently have the lowest [hand hygiene] compliance of all [healthcare workers], the studys authors write. However, patients fear questioning their doctors.
The Guardians of Animal Health: Who Are Veterinary Infection Preventionists?
March 21st 2025Veterinary infection control experts Leslie Kollmann, BS, AAS, CVT, CIC, Denise Waiting, LVT, and Leslie Landis, LVT, BS, discuss challenges, zoonotic disease risks, and the importance of education, collaboration, and resource development in animal care facilities.
The Latest on CLABSIs and CAUTIs: Evidence-Based Approaches for Infection Prevention
February 27th 2025Health care–associated infections like CLABSIs and CAUTIs threaten patient safety. Learn evidence-based strategies, new technologies, and prevention protocols to reduce these infections and improve outcomes.
Resilience and Innovation: The Pivotal Contributions of Black Americans to Health Care and Medicine
February 24th 2025During Black History Month, we honor the resilience and contributions of Black medical professionals in health care. Despite barriers, they have led transformative changes, advocating for equitable access and medical excellence. Recognizing their impact ensures a more inclusive health care future for all.
Glove Usage Guideline: From The Joint Commission, CDC, and World Health Organization
February 17th 2025Proper glove use is crucial in health care settings to prevent infections. Guidelines from TJC, CDC, and WHO stress correct selection, usage, and disposal to minimize health care–associated infections (HAIs) and cross-contamination risks. Infection preventionists (IPs) play a key role in educating staff, enforcing compliance, and improving patient safety through standardized glove practices.
