Abstract
Background:No previous studies have reported the knowledge of Saudi medical students about Standard Precautions (SPs) and infection control.Objectives:The objectives of this study were to assess medical students’ knowledge in clinical years at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia about SPs’ and to explore their attitudes toward the current curricular/training in providing them with effective knowledge and necessary skills with regard to SPs.Subjects and Methods:This cross sectional study targeted students in clinical stage at College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. A pre-tested anonymous self administered data collection form was used. Inquires about students’ characteristics, general concepts of infection control/SPs, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, sharp injuries and disposal, and care of health providers were included. The main source of information for each domain was also inquired. The second part dedicated to explore the attitudes toward the curricular and teaching relevant to SPs.Results:A total of 251 students were included. Knowledge scores in all domains were considerably low, 67 (26.7%) students scored ≥ 24 (out of 41points) which was considered as an acceptable level of knowledge, 22.2% in 4th year, 20.5% in 5th year and 36.8% in 6th year. Sharp injuries, personal protective equipment and health care of the providers showed the least knowledge scores. The main sources of knowledge were self learning, and informal bed side practices The majority of students’ believed that the current teaching and training are insufficient in providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills regarding SPs.Conclusion:The overall knowledge scores for SPs were low especially in the domains of hand hygiene, sharp management, and personal protective equipment reflecting insufficient and ineffective instructions received by medical students through the current curriculum posing them vulnerable to health facilities related infections. Proper curricular reform and training are required to protect students and their patients.
Highlights
Standard precautions (SPs) are designed to reduce the risk of acquiring occupational infection from both known and unexpected sources in the healthcare setting (Seigel et al, 2007)
The overall knowledge scores for Standard Precautions (SPs) were low especially in the domains of hand hygiene, sharp management, and personal protective equipment reflecting insufficient and ineffective instructions received by medical students through the current curriculum posing them vulnerable to health facilities related infections
The contents of the received training/orientation were in the form of half day sessions held at the local secondary level of care hospitals as a part of continuing medical education and composed of lectures and video demonstration of hand hygiene, sharp management and prevention of nosocomial infections
Summary
Standard precautions (SPs) are designed to reduce the risk of acquiring occupational infection from both known and unexpected sources in the healthcare setting (Seigel et al, 2007). SPs have two objectives namely to protect HCPs from percutaneous injuries and to prevent transmission of nosocomial infection Due to their limited experience in performing invasive procedures, medical students are at particular risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens (Jeffe et al, 1907; Wiwanikit, 2002). Inquires about students' characteristics, general concepts of infection control/SPs, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, sharp injuries and disposal, and care of health providers were included. The main sources of knowledge were self learning, and informal bed side practices The majority of students' believed that the current teaching and training are insufficient in providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills regarding SPs. Conclusion: The overall knowledge scores for SPs were low especially in the domains of hand hygiene, sharp management, and personal protective equipment reflecting insufficient and ineffective instructions received by medical students through the current curriculum posing them vulnerable to health facilities related infections. Proper curricular reform and training are required to protect students and their patients
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