Should self-assessment methods be used to measure compliance with handwashing recommendations? A study carried out in a French university hospital

摘要: Background Implementation of a hand hygiene promotion program in large university hospital required that we find suitable method to assess health care workers' (HCWs) practices. This study aims at comparing direct observation and self-assessment methods. Methods Hand practices 206 HCWs (physicians, nurses, nurse assistants) 25 units were directly observed by trained auditors for 1 day. A week later, 1050 filled out questionnaire on their compliance with handwashing indications (participation rate was 83%). Results Average global self-reported (SRR) after patient similar the (OBR) (74%). According type care, differences between SRR OBR nonsignificant, except change infusion bag nurses nursing assistants. Physicians assistants tended systematically over evaluate compliance, whereas under recommendations. Conclusions Mean rates higher than those reported literature but varied as function activity occupation HCW. reinforced in-service educational will be implemented target especially physicians medical students. Self-assessment method, easy use inexpensive, gave encouraging results. The development broad-based, routine, is underway Nantes University Hospital, but, before such can implemented, reproducibility these indicators must further confirmed.