The finding that the poorest record of compliance with good infection
control practices was held by physicians is consistent with observations
that have been noted by other researchers.30 This is particularly
disappointing as these professionals are often regarded as mentors
or practice leaders. Even during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic,
when the risk of disease acquisition was perceived as higher in many
jurisdictions, physicians were less likely to comply with wearing N95®
respirators and gloves for aerosol-generating procedures and wearing
protective eyewear and gloves for non-aerosol-generating procedures
than other HCWs.31 Lower adherence by physicians to hand hygiene
has been consistently observed in hand hygiene audits. We found that
soap and disposable towels were not always readily available in this
study, and this may have been a contributing factor to the inconsistent
observation of good hand hygiene practices.