>>Tip:
Good handwashing behavior improves the quality of services. It reduces the chance of infections to staff and clients, which lowers health care costs and improves client satisfaction.

Improving Handwashing Practices

Research has shown that health workers wash their hands only about half as often as they should, and they tend to overestimate how often and how well they wash. While doctors wash their hands less often than nurses, doctors tend to do a better job of handwashing.

In low-resource settings, an inadequate supply of water, soap, or antiseptics can play a major role in inadequate handwashing behavior. In both high-resource and low-resource settings, the problem is not that health workers do not know how to wash their hands--or even that they don't know when handwashing is appropriate--it is just that they do not do it. In other words, the major problem is compliance. Misunderstandings about handwashing on the part of staff may also play a role in inadequate handwashing.

Research from the U.S. and Europe has shown that sustained improvement in handwashing is most often a result of administration involvement in and commitment to handwashing as a critical infection prevention practice. This includes demonstration of appropriate handwashing behavior by respected individuals (role models) and supportive encouragement of other staff to do so as well.

Therefore:

• Supervisors and administrators should develop strategies to make water, soap, and antiseptics available at all times services are offered.
• Supervisors and administrators should support and model good handwashing behavior.
• Sites should provide educational activities and aids to make sure all staff are aware of the importance of good handwashing practices.
• All staff should understand the importance of handwashing, know when handwashing is indicated, and know how their hands can be washed when limited resources are available.

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