Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Infection Control and Waste Management among Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Bhutan, 2019: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey.

Dorji Gyeltshen,Sonam Choda,Ugyen Tshering,Chencho Gyeltshen,Sangay Dorji,Diki Wangmo,Krit Pongpirul,Tashi Dorji,Thinley Dorji

doi:10.1155/2021/6691780

Abstract

Background In Bhutan, Traditional Medicine (TM) is a part of the government-sponsored free healthcare system and Traditional Medicine Units (TMUs) are colocated with allopathic hospitals. Prevention of healthcare-associated infections and patient safety must apply to all institutionalized healthcare settings including TMUs. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of TM practitioners in Bhutan in the field of infection control and waste management practices. Methods This was a descriptive study among TM practitioners selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured pro forma and entered in EpiData 3.1 and analyzed in STATA 13.1. Results There were 132 respondents (response rate 98%). The majority (64%) knew the seven steps of handwashing but their knowledge of WHO's Five Moments for Handwashing was poor, especially handwashing after aseptic procedures (17%) and handwashing after touching patient surroundings (5%). Handwashing before palpation of the pulse (37%) and using gloves while dispensing medicines (9%) were poor; but the proportions of handwashing before performing moxibustion (96%), correct disposal of sharps (84%), and disinfection of cupping sets (78%) were high. The majority of participants hold a positive attitude towards the adoption of infection control and waste management practices for the benefit of patients. Only 23% had received preservice and 44% had received in-service training on infection control. Conclusions The knowledge and practices of infection control and waste management are optimal only in select domains of practice. The practitioners hold a positive attitude towards the adoption of infection control and waste management standards.

Highlights

While Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is often not covered by insurance systems in the west [1], in Bhutan, a small Himalayan country in South Asia, the Bhutanese Traditional Medicine (BTM; Sowa Rigpa), a form of alternative medicine, remains popular and is integrated into its free healthcare system
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine e prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections and the appropriate management of infectious wastes are important in institutionalized TM services such as that in Bhutan. e prevalence of healthcare-associated infection in developing countries is 15.5 per 100 patients [7] with a potential for a 35–55% reduction in the rates if multifaceted infection prevention and control measures are implemented [8]
Traditional Medicine Units (TMUs) are colocated with allopathic hospitals at all levels except the National Traditional Medicine Hospital—the largest BTM teaching hospital

Summary

Introduction

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine e prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections and the appropriate management of infectious wastes are important in institutionalized TM services such as that in Bhutan. Is study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of infection control and waste management measures amongst the Traditional Medicine practitioners of Bhutan in 2019. It contained four sections: sociodemographic and professional details, knowledge, attitudes, and practices on infection control and waste management within the context of the practice of BTM.

Results

Conclusion