RT Journal
A1 Mitka M
T1 HAnd washing, a key anti-flu strategy, often neglected by health care workers
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2009
FD November 4
VO 302
IS 17
SP 1850
OP 1851
DO 10.1001/jama.2009.1572
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2009.1572
AB 
As the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) virus expands its reach, health officials continue to stress the importance of hand washing as the first line of defense in prevention. Particularly in health care settings, hand antisepsis has long been recognized as a key factor in minimizing the spread of pathogenic microorganisms and limiting health care–associated infections. Yet getting health care workers, including physicians and nurses, to wash their hands remains a problem. In response, new patient safety programs from the Joint Commission and the World Health Organization (WHO) are placing their initial focus on improving compliance with hand hygiene standards.