Audit finds doctors not washing hands properly COVID-19 has thrown a spotlight on the importance of hygiene and handwashing, yet the latest data audits show doctors are still not meeting benchmarks. Health by Clarissa Bye Premium Content Subscriber only Handwashing is the single most important factor in cutting hospital acquired infections - and despite the huge focus on cleaning and sanitising during COVID-19, audits show medical staff are still not always doing the right thing. Results from 1000 health organisations checked from July to October 31 last year show doctors washed their hands 78.5 per cent of the time - below the benchmark of 80 per cent, with nurses on 90 per cent.