Study results, released by Kimberly-Clark, show that only 5 percent of patients always ask physicians or healthcare staff whether they have sanitized their hands prior to the start of patient care.
The study was conducted by ORB International from May 31, 2012 to June 3, 2012 and included responses from 1,020 U.S. adults. Key findings from the surveys include the following:
• 72 percent of respondents have never asked healthcare providers if they have washed or sanitized their hands before beginning an exam or procedure.
• Among respondents who did not ask healthcare professionals about hand hygiene in the hospital setting, 40 percent did not ask because they assume healthcare professionals perform hand hygiene before treating any patient; 34 percent simply don't think about asking a hospital healthcare provider about hand hygiene, and 21 percent do not feel it is their responsibility to ask.
• Nearly 25 percent of respondents age 55 and older are not at all comfortable asking hospital doctors or medical staff whether they washed their hands, compared to 12 percent of those ages 18-34 who felt uncomfortable.
Researchers suggest healthcare providers take extra steps to empower patients about hand hygiene.
The study was conducted by ORB International from May 31, 2012 to June 3, 2012 and included responses from 1,020 U.S. adults. Key findings from the surveys include the following:
• 72 percent of respondents have never asked healthcare providers if they have washed or sanitized their hands before beginning an exam or procedure.
• Among respondents who did not ask healthcare professionals about hand hygiene in the hospital setting, 40 percent did not ask because they assume healthcare professionals perform hand hygiene before treating any patient; 34 percent simply don't think about asking a hospital healthcare provider about hand hygiene, and 21 percent do not feel it is their responsibility to ask.
• Nearly 25 percent of respondents age 55 and older are not at all comfortable asking hospital doctors or medical staff whether they washed their hands, compared to 12 percent of those ages 18-34 who felt uncomfortable.
Researchers suggest healthcare providers take extra steps to empower patients about hand hygiene.
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Using Data to Drive Decision-Making in Healthcare Quality Initiatives
