Patients' trust versus infection control: seeking an etiquette of hand hygiene
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Type | Peer-reviewed scientific article |
| Magazine / Source | Journal of Hospital Infection |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| web | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195670125002440?via%3Dihub |
| Doi | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2025.07.028 |
| Keywords | hand hygiene; patient trust; infection control; healthcare communication; clinical etiquette |
| Description | From a social perspective, disinfecting one's hands immediately after a handshake may be perceived as disrespectful. In clinical practice, such small gestures carry symbolic weight, often establishing a bridge of trust between patients and healthcare workers. Yet, infection control requires frequent and visible hand hygiene – an act that may be perceived as a signal of avoidance or disdain depending on timing and setting. |