The impact of handwashing guidelines on pediatric nurses' knowledge and practices in the operating room at Cairo University specialized pediatric hospital

Abstract

Pediatric nurses in the operating room are front-line heroes who save the lives of children by avoiding and preventing the infection by thoroughly washing their hands. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of Handwashing guidelines on pediatric nurses' knowledge and practices in the operating room. Design: One group pre-posttest quasi-experimental research design was utilized to achieve the aim of the current study. Setting: The current study was conducted in the operating room at Cairo University Specialized Pediatric Hospital (CUSPH). Sample: A Convenient sample of 30 nurses who were cared for children in the operating room at CUSPH. Was participated in the study. Tools: It was developed by the researchers, it included a structured interview questionnaire to assess personal and professional data of the nurse; nurses' knowledge assessment questionnaire to assess nurses' knowledge about hand wash measures, and nurses' practices checklist sheet to assess nurses' practice when handwashing guidelines applied. Results: The study results revealed that there were statistically significant differences between the total mean score of nurses' knowledge before and after receiving the hand wash guidelines as well as, nurses who received the environmental health and safety measures guidelines had a higher mean score of practice. Conclusion: The results of the current study concluded that nurses who receive the hand wash guidelines had a higher mean score of knowledge and the higher mean score of practice than before. Recommendation: Sustainable development. It is essential to raise the awareness of operating room nurses on handwashing guidelines through education and training courses. Providing nurses with continuous training programs on infection control measures and handwashing updates is a basic requirement for providing child care safety measures.