Assessment of Staff Knowledge and Practices for Nosocomial Infection Control and Prevention

Aims: Hospital-acquired infections represent a significant global health challenge, leading to increased patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This study aimed at evaluating the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers at Ghaem Hospital’s special care units concerning the control of hospital-acquired infections. Instrument & Methods: This descriptive-analytical research employed a comprehensive approach, encompassing all nursing and patient-care staff in the special care units of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad. Conducted from 2022 to 2023, the study utilized a census and sampling method to gather data, which were collected via two questionnaires-one capturing demographic details and the other assessing knowledge and practices related to infection control. Findings: A total of 96 individuals participated in the study, predominantly nurses (62.5%), followed by paramedics (24%), and doctors (13.5%). Practices of hand hygiene before procedures varied in different groups. 30% of doctors, 34% of nurses, and 30% of paramedics thoroughly washed all parts of their hands; 63% of doctors, 57% of nurses, and 50% of paramedics used soap; complete fingernail washing was done by 43% of doctors, 45% of nurses, and 56% of paramedics, showing a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Post-procedure hygiene responses were positive from 44% of doctors, 33% of nurses, and 50% of paramedics. Knowledge regarding the transmission of urinary and ventilator-associated respiratory infections was generally high among doctors and nurses but lower among paramedics. Conclusion: Healthcare staff adheres to infection control guidelines to varying degrees, with doctors and nurses generally performing better than paramedics.

Assessment of Staff Knowledge and Practices for Nosocomial Infection Control and Prevention Keywords:

Infectious Disease Transmission , Patient-to-Professional , Health Personnel , Hand Hygiene , Infection Control