Understanding Hand Hygiene Behavior at Unidad Nacional Oncologia Pediatrica

Healthcare associated infections increase morbidity and mortality among all hospitalized patients, especially in those who are immunocompromised, in both developed and in countries with limited resources. However, when resources are limited, infection prevention and control measures are often overlooked by personnel and institutions. Hand hygiene has been shown numerous times to be the most effective way to prevent infections in the healthcare setting. In Unidad Nacional de Oncologia Pediatrica (UNOP) in Guatemala City, Guatemala, there have been several infrastructural improvements and periodic education and promotion activities. Still, acceptable hand hygiene compliance has not yet been sustainably achieved. The investigators wish to study reasons why staff at UNOP do or do not practice hand hygiene when it is indicated through the use of focus groups and interviews.