An innovative strategy for nursing training on standard and transmission-based precautions in primary health care: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Strategies to improve adherence to standard and transmission-based precautions are essential to reduce the risk of health care-associated infections. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational strategy on precautions among nursing staff in primary health care settings. A randomized nonblinded controlled trial was conducted with 100 nursing staff working in 28 primary health care units. Groups were allocated randomly. The intervention group received a WebQuest educational strategy: a guided, creative method designed to engage participants in developing learning tasks, organized in 5 dimensions. The control group did not receive any training. Knowledge and self-reported adherence were assessed at 3 time points in the intervention group and at 2 time points in the control group. Data analyses were performed using Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact for categorical data, and Mann-Whitney and Repeated Measures analysis of variance for quantitative data. A higher level of knowledge was identified in the postintervention for the dimensions of risk assessment, hand hygiene, and mask use and cough etiquette (all P values P < .05). The self-reported adherence increased in intervention (P=.008) and control groups (P=.005). The differences decreased after 6 months. The educational intervention increased the knowledge and self-reported adherence to standard and transmission-based precautions.