Ms Ji Park1, Dr Holly Seale1, Dr Jerico Pardosi2
1University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
2Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
Method: A qualitative approach involving 57 semi-structured interviews with patients, their FC/PCs, and HCWs, was undertaken in five tertiary level hospitals. Drawing upon the principles of grounded theory, an inductive approach using thematic analysis was adopted.
Results: Four main themes were generated: (1) assumptions (regarding levels of understanding and training; roles in the hospital); (2) knowledge of IPC and HAIs (knowledge versus compliance) (3) influence of culture (cultural obligations); (4) limited perceived value placed on IPC education.
Conclusion: There are mixed perceptions regarding the levels of understanding of the FC/PCs towards HAIs and recommended IPC strategies. Thus, very little guidance is being provided to support these individuals while caring for their patients in clinical settings. Validation of the cultural influence over family involvement in the healthcare arrangement and practical reference to FC/PCs in the IPC policies/guidelines should be included in developing a multifaceted-approach.
Background: Family and/or privately-hired carers (FC/PCs) who are not considered healthcare-workers (HCWs) but provide continuous care whilst staying in the patient’s room across various cultural settings, irrespective of resource availability in many Asian countries. There have been reports linking this caring arrangement to the spread of several outbreaks, including COVID-19. Despite these reports, very little is known about the risk of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) transmission related to the involvement of FC/PCs in the clinical setting and their participation in recommended infection prevention and control (IPC) behaviours. This study aimed at factors affecting patients and their FC/PCs’ IPC compliance in hospitals in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and South Korea.
Biography: Ji Yeon Park is a PhD candidate at UNSW Sydney. Her research interest is in healthcare-associated infections, empowering patients and their family carers in the infection prevention and control measures, and partnering with service providers and other IPC experts to evaluate the current policies and guidelines with a focus on co-design and working with consumers.