Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene compliance and the prevention of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) is a challenge in any healthcare setting. Pediatric hospitals have both unique issues and opportunities in the performance of hand hygiene. Many of the patients are unable to understand or comply with hand hygiene due to their age or physical condition.

A recent headline in the May 28, 2013 issue of The New York Times read: HOSPITALS STRUGGLE TO GET WORKERS TO WASH THEIR HANDS. This is news? It is an age-old problem that no one wants to take on directly. It seems that personal responsibility has taken the last seat in the steerage compartment of the ship when it comes to patient safety and doing what it right.