Dr Isabella Centeleghe1, Dr Philip Norville2, Professor Jean-Yves Maillard1, Dr Louise Hughes1
1Cardiff University, United Kingdom, 2GAMA Healthcare, United Kingdom
Biography:
Issy is a Nursing Research Fellow at Cabrini Health and Monash University. She has just completed a 3-year project combating antimicrobial resistance in drain biofilms at Cardiff University. Issy completed her PhD in Pharmaceutical Microbiology at Cardiff University, which investigated the resistance of dry surface biofilms to cleaning and disinfection.
Abstract:
Introduction
Laboratory experiments play a vital role in disinfectant product development and efficacy evaluation, but their impact is limited without proper user compliance and application. Inadequate cleaning/disinfection has been shown to leave patient areas contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. This study explores healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) knowledge and understanding of cleaning/disinfection protocols, and their awareness of microbial contamination in clinical environments.
Methods
Following ethics approval, a mixed methods approach was used, comprising an anonymous online survey (using open and closed questions), and in-depth semi-structured interviews. Recruitment utilised non-probability convenience and purposive sampling through a gatekeeper and X (formerly Twitter), targeted at a range of HCPs, with a focus on infection prevention specialists.
Results
137 HCPs completed the survey, and 10 were interviewed. Most participants believed a multimodal approach, (i.e. cleaning followed by automated disinfection), is essential for effective infection control. However, there were disparities in the frequency of surface cleaning/disinfection. Familiarity with the term “biofilm” was high, (87.6% survey; 100% interviews), primarily from conference/study days. Interview analysis identified six overarching themes and 18 sub-themes, including time limitations and reactive judgement. Confusion over who cleans what, and gaps in infection control protocols were amongst key issues.
Conclusions
While general knowledge of infection prevention and control protocols was strong, interviews highlighted inconsistencies in real-world application. Education emerged as a key enabler to improve practice from interviews. These findings emphasise the importance of understanding HCP knowledge of environmental microbial contamination, providing a foundation for future research and policy development in infection prevention and control.