Hand washing compliance among Healthcare staff in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Multispecialty Hospital of North India

Purpose: Hand hygiene is the single most important strategy to prevent HAIs. The present cross sectional study was conducted in ICUs to provide insight into the prevailing practices of hand-hygiene. Results: During two week analysis, 2400 hand washing opportunities were observed. Hand washing adherence rate was 86.0%, with highest compliance among nurses (94.0%). Compliance was (95.0%) after patient contact than 72.5% before contact. In 96.04% opportunities alcohol rub was used for hand washing. More than 90.0% staff was aware about facts viz. diseases prevented by hand washing (96.2%), ideal duration of hand washing (92.6%), reduction of HAI with hand washing (98.0%) etc. Reasons for non-adherence emerged as work pressure (94.2%) and unavailability of materials (82.4%). Conclusion The level of compliance (86%) is below the need to be there in ICU otherwise. Easy access to hand-rub solutions, adherence measurement and institutional commitment might contribute to staff sensitivity to hand hygiene practices.