EXPLORE NURSES’ COMPLIANCE WITH INFECTION PREVENTION MEASURES

Abstract

Aim of this study was to explore nurses’ compliance with infection prevention measures at Outpatient Obstetrics and Gynecological clinics at Mansoura City Hospitals. Study Design: Descriptive study design. Tools of data collections: three tools were used, structured interviewing questionnaire, an observational checklist to assess nurses’ compliance with infection prevention measures and a questionnaire to assess barriers for compliance with infection prevention measures. Results: The study findings revealed that all nurses had correct knowledge about definition, signs of infection, and disposal of used needles, while more than half nurses had incorrect knowledge about cross of pathogens between staff and clients. All nurses did hand washing after contacting blood, while more than quarter of nurses didn’t practice hand washing before contacting patients. Also all nurses wear gloves when contact with blood & during invasive procedures and use anew gloves for each patient. While about third of nurses did not wear gloves during skin disinfection. The main factors that prevented nurses to comply with infection prevention measures were shortage of staff and lack of supplies at Mansoura University Hospital. Conclusion: All nurses did hand washing after contacting blood ,and used a circular motion, While more than quarter of nurses didn’t practice hand washing before contacting patient ,half of nurses didn’t assess area around sink correctly, all of nurses wear gloves when contact with blood & during invasive procedures and used a new gloves for each patient. While about third of nurses did not wear gloves during skin disinfection. Also, third of nurses wear gown during procedures, but about three quarter did not hold gown away from body while working and third of nurses didn’t wash their hands before masking. Recommendations: Providing orientation programs for newly employed nurses about standard precautions infection control. Availability of all facilities and equipment required for applying standard precautions of infection prevention measures.