Religious and Cultural Aspects of Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Accreditations: A Review of Literature

Abstract

Practice of hand hygiene is a very ancient concept of personal cleanliness which reflects in several religious and practiced in numerous cultures. It is worth to consider the grounds of religious and cultural issues in promoting hand hygiene in healthcare services in order to be more effective. Objectives: To study the review of literature of religious and cultural aspects of hand hygiene in healthcare accreditations. Methods: It is a descriptive study in which the several literatures on religious and cultural aspects of hand hygiene in healthcare accreditations were studied. Significance of Research: Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI) are major threat to patient safety which increases the length of stay, long-term disability, increased resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobials, massive additional financial burden, high costs for patients and their families, and excess deaths. Data Collections: The data was collected from relevant published journals, articles, research papers, academic literature and web portals. Conclusion: Community behaviour influences health care worker’s professional behaviour has been supported by insufficient scientific facts until now. There are no data existing on the impact of religious customs on hand hygiene observance in health-care settings where religion is very deep-seated.