Effects of organizational and individual factors on nurses’ practice of central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention

Abstract

This study explored rarely investigated organizational factors (resource support and organizational culture) in conjunction with well-established individual factors (demographic characteristics, knowledge, and awareness) that impact nurses' practice of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention. Self-reported questionnaire data were collected from 173 nurses recruited from departments that use central venous catheters (ie, intensive care units, emergency rooms, hemodialysis rooms, and oncology wards) in tertiary hospitals in South Korea. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the effects of individual and organizational factors. Organizational culture (ß=0.350) had the greatest association with CLABSI prevention practice, followed by awareness (ß=0.328) and department (ß=-0.217; all ps<0.01). These variables explained 41.1% of the variance in CLABSI prevention practice (F=20.996, P<.001). Higher self-reported CLABSI prevention practice was associated with a favorable organizational culture and higher awareness. Emergency room nurses' CLABSI prevention practice was notably inferior as compared to nurses in other departments. Organizational culture is the most significant factor affecting nurses' practice of CLABSI prevention. An organizational culture with environmental improvements and resource support as well as infection prevention education and awareness-building programs should be fostered.