Hand-Washing and Nosocomial Infections

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Abstract
Experts in infection control coax, cajole, threaten, and plead, but still their colleagues neglect to wash their hands. Consider, for example, the report by Doebbeling et al. in this issue of the Journal. 1 Presumably, everyone in the intensive care units (ICUs) at the University of Iowa knew of the hand-washing study. They participated in a special education program, including a videotaped demonstration, written instructions, in-service presentations, mailings, and refresher sessions. Observers monitored their compliance with hand-washing instructions and posted monthly summaries of the results of hand cultures. A more aggressive program can hardly be imagined. In addition, easy-to-use dispensers were . . .