Perception and Inner Struggle Experienced by Nursing Students in Relation with Infection Management through Observation and Performance of Infection Control Activities

Abstract

Purpose: To study the internal psychological conflicts among nursing students during an infection control protocol carried out in the hospital by measuring their observation skills and performance during clinical training. Methods: Investigation of both pre- and post- infection control was conducted using questionnaires for clinical infection practices. We identified and evaluated the students` observation skills, clinical performance, clinical perception, and internal conflict regarding clinical infection control. We also interviewed the students as part of our study. Results: Among parameters such as clinical performance, observation skills, clinical perception, and internal conflict, the average observation skills (t=5.49, p<.001) were significantly lower, while internal conflict among students (t=-7.23, p<.001) was significantly higher than expected prior to clinical training. Generally, there was a negative correlation between observation skills and internal conflict in every aspect of infection control practice (r=-.281, p=.031). Internal conflict was significantly higher than expected in the context of hand hygiene (t=-2.135, p=.037), personal hygiene (t=-3.48, p=.002), and ventilator management (t=-3.69, p<.001). Clinical performance of students in the context of hand hygiene (t=4.69, p<.001), personal hygiene (t=2.06, p=.044), and ventilator management (t=2.68, p<.001) was significantly lower than expected prior to clinical training. Conclusion: Our findings showed that internal psychological conflict is higher when infection control practices are observed or performed to a lesser degree. Therefore, reinforcing education regarding infection control among students, such as developing a systematic program, or consecutive training and monitoring, is suggested.