Patients as partners in infection prevention and control: An observational study in an Indian Ambulatory care setting

Abstract

Objective: (1) To evaluate the awareness and knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices among patients and their families in an Indian ambulatory care setting. (2) To impart subsequent training and education to the subjects utilising innovative teaching modules. Methods: The present study is a survey-based observational study conducted in the outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary care setting. A sample size of 300 patients/visitors in the OPD was randomly selected for a questionnaire-based interview which had questions relevant to awareness of basic IPC practices and judicious use of antibiotics. Subsequently, training and education was imparted to all the patients/visitors arriving at the OPD by infection control (IC) nurses and IC-linked nurses through innovative role plays, pamphlets, posters, standees and banners. The data was compiled and statistically evaluated. Results: The maximum awareness in the group for healthcare-associated infections and standard precautions was reported as 88.8% and 67.6%, respectively. Among the other important parameters, hand hygiene and infection prevention at home were reported as 63.8% and 64.5% awareness, respectively. An overall knowledge and awareness on judicious use of antibiotics was reported as 76.5%. Out of which, a relatively less awareness was reported 62% (185) in people regarding the increasing antimicrobial resistance. Conclusions: Patient and family education in hospitals has been relatively unaddressed in the IC field. This study was successful in making a beginning to promoting this concept and effectively contributing to the culture of patient safety.