[Shaking hands or not after the COVID pandemic?]

Abstract

The tradition of physicians to shake hands with patients is controversial due to the risk of transmitting germs and because of cultural sensitivity. Nevertheless, handshaking is a common way of greeting in Western culture, although some patients prefer not to shake hands for religious or cultural reasons. It is also known that a handshake can transmit pathogenic microorganisms. There are various alternative greetings possible - such as a nod or a bow - that do not carry the potential infection risk of physical contact and also respect patients who do not want to shake hands. There are also many other ways besides handshaking to show respect and engagement towards the patient. Therefore, it is time to seriously reconsider the practice of shaking hands with patients, especially during the season of viral respiratory infections and/or when there are many changing patient contacts, and use alternative greetings when possible and/or desirable.