Study of Knowledge, Awareness and Practices of Infection Control among ICU Staff of a Multispecialty Tertiary Level Teaching Institute of North India

Abstract

Hospital infections are one of the important factors that adversely affect the image and economy of hospitals and ICU is a hotspot of infections. A descriptive and observational study was conducted in ICUs of a Multispecialty Hospital to analyze the knowledge, awareness and practices among staff about infection control.The study was based on checklist based on Ventilator Bundles and Central Line Bundles (IHI) and WHO. Whole staff of ICU was taken as sample size. A significant gap was noticed between actual practices followed and staff know-how. More than 80 per cent of staff was aware of hand hygiene moments and hand washing steps, but less than 25 per cent actually practised it. While 86 per cent of the staff claimed to wear fresh gloves, 57 per cent (239/418 observations) wore in practice. While 68 per cent claimed to follow oral care protocol, only 44 per cent actually did it. Contrary to 67 per cent who responded that they elevate the head of a patient who requires it, 49 per cent did it. And, 57 per cent of the staff followed catheter care practices as per protocol. Lack of accountability, discipline and focus on curative aspects accounts for poor performance towards infection control practices. So, through open communication, regular trainings and self-accountability, infection control standards and patient safety can be achieved.