Mind the mind: Results of a hand-hygiene research in a state-of-the-art cancer hospital

Poor hand-hygiene (HH) is the primary cause of health-care related infections, yet compliance has proven to be challenging. This multi-method study into HH in a state-of-the-art cancer hospital demonstrates that the presence of resources and prioritisation of HH alone is not sufficient for HH compliance. A large gap was found between perceived (87%) and actual (52%) HH compliance and knowledge. Similarly, although 82% of the respondents knew proper HH moments, they did not act on it. These gaps between perception and reality suggest that resources, knowledge and training might not be sufficient for improving HH: Psychological barriers need to be addressed too.