Abstract:ObjectiveTo investigate hand hygiene compliance of health care workers(HCWs) in a tertiary hospital, and to explore effective methods to improve hand hygiene compliance.MethodsBy direct observation method, hand hygiene compliance and practice among HCWs in 23 clinical departments were surveyed in SeptemberDecember 2012, and hand hygiene compliance monitor forms were filled in. ResultsA total of 721 opportunities of hand hygiene were recorded, overall compliance rate of hand hygiene was 58.53%, 32.18% used instant hand antiseptic, 26.35% selected running water, and 19.42% wore gloves without taking hand hygiene measures. For different occupations, hand hygiene compliance among nurses was the highest (68.65%), and cleaners was the lowest (39.25%). Of the five moments for hand hygiene, hand hygiene compliance after body fluid exposure was the highest (73.75%), followed by the moment after touching a patient (65.00%), while the moment after touching patients’ surroundings was the lowest (47.85%). ConclusionHand hygiene compliance of HCWs needs to be improved, and the management should be further strengthened, corresponding measures should be taken for different personnel.