Compliance with handwashing and barrier precautions

Abstract

Compliance with handwashing and barrier precautions remains suboptimal in all health care settings and among all types of staff. Interventions to increase compliance include educational and motivational programmes, providing individual and group feedback on performance, modifying and improving equipment available, changing administrative policy and sanctions, and increasing staff commitment with role modelling. Single, isolated interventions are unlikely to meet with sustained success. A theory-based, multifaceted approach is indicated.