Basically, compliance refers to the adherence to regulations, recommendations, or rules of action. As to hand hygiene, compliance comprises three aspects: 

1. “A measure is applied”, i.e. hand hygiene is carried out whenever required.
2. “The right measure is applied”, i.e. hands are disinfected and not, for example, washed in situations demanding hand disinfection.
3. “The right measure is applied correctly”, i.e. hand disinfection is carried out by observing the exposure time and complete coverage to avoid gaps