Mrs. Kirsi Terho1, Miss Tiina Kurvinen1
1Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
Biography:
The authors are infection control professionals with a long career in infection control at Turku University Hospital in Northern Europe. Both are also currently working on a PhD in infection control at the Department of Nursing at the University of Turku.
Abstract:
Objective
To assess the knowledge and perceptions of infection prevention among healthcare professionals in an intensive care unit (ICU), with a focus on the role of supervisors.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted involving registered nurses and physicians in an ICU. Data collection included the use of the WHO Infection Control Safety Questionnaire (ICSQ), with supervisors participating in interviews and other healthcare staff completing the questionnaire.
The ICSQ assessed participants' knowledge and perceptions regarding infection control policies. Data analysis focused on identifying knowledge gaps, attitudes, and the relationships between these factors and demographic variables, including managerial role, years of experience, and education level.
Results
A total of 12 supervisors were interviewed, and 69% (112/163) of nurses and physicians completed the questionnaire. Managers provided more accurate estimates of healthcare- associated infection (HAI) rates compared to other staff. Over half of the nurses and physicians reported being unable to estimate infection rates. Median estimates of overall hand hygiene compliance were similar between managers and staff (82.5% for supervisors vs. 90% for nurses and physicians), but the range of staff estimates was notably wide, spanning from 10% to 100%.
Conclusions
Healthcare professionals in the intensive care unit demonstrated a lack of awareness regarding the incidence of HAIs. Providing such feedback in alternative formats is crucial for helping healthcare professionals recognize the impact of their work, fostering personal motivation to adopt and consistently adhere to evidence based infection prevention practices.