Hand-Washing Patterns in Medical Intensive-Care Units

Hand washing is considered the single most important procedure in preventing nosocomial infections, and it has been recommended after contact with every patient by both the Centers for Disease Control and the Americal Hospital Association.

Abstract

ORGANISMS that cause nosocomial infections can be transmitted by the hands of physicians, nurses, technicians, and other hospital personnel.1 2 3 4 Hand washing is considered the single most important procedure in preventing nosocomial infections, and it has been recommended after contact with every patient by both the Centers for Disease Control and the Americal Hospital Association.5 , 6 The risk of acquiring organisms, transmitting them to others, or causing a nosocomial infection may vary with the susceptibility of the patient and the type of patient contact.7 However, because patients in intensive-care units are highly susceptible to nosocomial infections,7 , 8 it has been suggested that personnel . . .