Infection Control in the Ultrasound Department

Abstract

Despite the great amount of publicity dedicated to infection control policies, many hospital staff are ‘uncertain’ and have ‘limited knowledge’ with regard to the practical details of policies and procedures for infection control. The aim of this audit was to evaluate current understanding among our ultrasound staff of Trust policies relating to the transfer of a patient where there is an identified infection risk. To this aim, brief questionnaires were distributed to all staff members in the ultrasound department, during one working day, based on five clinical scenarios. The questionnaires were designed to test staff knowledge of current hospital policy. Good practice dictates that all staff are aware of standard procedures and precautions, in accordance with the system of clinical governance set out by the Department of Health. Each of the five questions was used as a separate indicator for each clinical scenario. The questions were derived from clinical scenarios encountered within the previous six months and the set target was 100% understanding. The correct responses for each of the five scenarios ranged from 50% to 95%. The results were presented at a subsequent audit meeting attended by the Trust Infection Control Nurse, where the rationale for patient transfer policies was explained. Infection control policy forms part of annual statutory training. A review of the training programme content and presentation is recommended.