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 ۲۰۲۲ to ۲۰۲۳, 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 ۹۶ individuals participated in the study, predominantly nurses (۶۲.۵%), followed by paramedics (۲۴%), and doctors (۱۳.۵%). Practices of hand hygiene before procedures varied in different groups. ۳۰% of doctors, ۳۴% of nurses, and ۳۰% of paramedics thoroughly washed all parts of their hands; ۶۳% of doctors, ۵۷% of nurses, and ۵۰% of paramedics used soap; complete fingernail washing was done by ۴۳% of doctors, ۴۵% of nurses, and ۵۶% of paramedics, showing a statistically significant difference (p<۰.۰۵). Post-procedure hygiene responses were positive from ۴۴% of doctors, ۳۳% of nurses, and ۵۰% 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.

Keywords:

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