Knowledge Of Infection Control Research Articles

Development and validation of a job aid: Tool to reduce infections in home-based stroke.

Stroke patients who are discharged from hospital because of limited access to rehabilitation facilities are cared for by lay caregivers who at times have limited knowledge of infection prevention and control (IPC). User-friendly educational interventions can help bridge this knowledge gap and enhance safe care of these persons. To describe the development and validation of educational interventions for home-based stroke patients. The validation process enhanced the reliability and validity of the job aid resulting in standardised quality patient care of stroke patients. Mutasa district, Manicaland province, Zimbabwe. The systematic six steps in quality intervention development guided the development of the job aid. Graphic designers assisted with development of diagrams and annotations. A purposively selected eight-member panel of IPC expert reviewers was invited to validate the job aid using a standardised validation tool. The panel agreed that the job aid's title, target group and media of instruction were adequately explained, and the background could be easily understood during practice. The content was approved with some modifications on the description of instructions to caregivers. Seven reviewers agreed that the materials used ensured understandability, acceptability, practicability and usability of the educational interventions by caregivers, and one reviewer was neutral in commenting effectiveness of the job aid. The developed job aid addressed knowledge barriers in IPC for caregivers, and the reviewers confirmed that the developed job aid was adequate for effective use by lay home-based caregivers.Contribution:Utilisation of this intervention standardises patient care practices.

Knowledge and Practices of Airborne Infection Control at the Household Level among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Central Karnataka, India

Abstract Background: Airborne transmission of tuberculosis (TB) is a major route of spread. Household contacts of TB patients are at high risk of infection. However, there is limited evidence on airborne infection control knowledge and practices among TB patients in India. This study was done to assess the knowledge and practices related to airborne infection control among pulmonary TB (PTB) patients at the household level and determine associated factors. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 157 smear-positive PTB patients at a tertiary care hospital in Karnataka, India, using a pretested questionnaire. Knowledge and self-reported practices regarding airborne precautions were assessed. Bivariate analysis was done to determine associated factors. P <0.005 was considered significant. Results: Major gaps were found in knowledge about ventilation (50.3%), avoiding visitors (39.5%), and sputum disposal (33.8%). Suboptimal practices were reported for using tissues (19%), handwashing (25%), ventilation (66%), sputum handling (54%), and waste disposal (30%). Good knowledge was associated with younger age, higher education, Hindu religion, family history of TB, intensive phase treatment, and presence of symptoms (P < 0.05). Participants with good knowledge had significantly better preventive practices (P < 0.00001). Conclusion: Tailored education on airborne precautions focusing on identified knowledge gaps and risky practices can help improve the adoption of infection control measures among TB patients at the household level. A multifaceted approach is required to translate improved awareness into optimal preventive behaviors.

Knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control and Practice Behaviors among Career and Volunteer Firefighters in Rural Communities

Due to the emerging threat conditions in the work environment, firefighters are at a high risk of exposure to not only toxic substances but also biological agents in the dayroom and during emergency runs. The aim of this study is to evaluate firefighter (career and volunteer) knowledge and practice behaviors on infection control. This study surveyed 444 firefighters (210 career, 234 volunteer) in rural Northwestern Kentucky. The self-reported survey focused on individual characteristics, knowledge on exposure incident control, precautionary actions, and personal protections. We evaluated the descriptive characteristics of knowledge and practice scores stratified by firefighter groups (career and volunteers). The associations between infection control training received (yes/no) and firefighter knowledge and practice scores were also examined. Firefighters who were trained on infection control prevention had significantly higher knowledge scores (M = 63.7, SD = 13.4 vs. M = 59.7, SD = 15.9; p = 0.012). Volunteer firefighters exhibited better infection control practice behaviors than career firefighters (M = 70.6, SD = 13.0 vs. M = 67.4, SD = 11.1; p = 0.05). Firefighters who followed infection control guidelines (M = 69.5, SD = 11.9 vs. M = 58.1, SD = 9.9; p = 0.012) and expressed need for a comprehensive training on personal protective equipment (PPE) selection (β = 3.41, SE = 1.54, aOR = 30.22, 95% CI: 1.47–620.87; p = 0.028) had significantly higher practice scores compared to those who did not. The study results have policy implications for infection prevention and control (IPC) in rural fire departments, both career and volunteer. A review of infection control policies is needed, especially as it relates to training and practice behaviors during emergency calls and in the dayroom. Results also suggest the need to develop strategies to improve the culture of PPE use and training on the selection of PPEs appropriate to the emergency response type.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Infection Control Among Dental Students at College of Dentistry - Hawler Medical University.

Background: Infections acquired in healthcare facilities have become an increasingly challenging issue worldwide. The prevention of infectious diseases is a critical issue since healthcare workers develop acquired infections while providing services to patients. However, infection prevention and control are challenging, especially in healthcare facilities. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of cross-infection control among dental students at the College of Dentistry, Hawler Medical University. Material and Method: A survey was conducted to obtain information regarding knowledge, attitude, and practice with recommended infection control guidelines. The questionnaire contained three parts (knowledge, attitude, and practice) and was distributed to the participants. Result: Total number of participants was 135, (73) were 5th-year dental students, and (62) 4th year, the mean age of participants was (20-23) years, 96 % had correct knowledge about infection control, 93 % had a correct practice, but unfortunately 48 % had low attitude. Conclusions: The majority of dental students had good knowledge and correct practice, but less about their attitude in infection control. Therefore, regular training that contains educational programs should be supported to maintain the highest level of attitude. Keywords: Infection control, Cross infection, Dental students, Practice, Knowledge, Attitude.

Empowering hospital-associated infection prevention and control: A quasi-experimental study on the effect of scenario-based simulation training

AimThis study aimed to investigate the effect of scenario-based simulation training on infection control, specifically in terms of knowledge, self-efficacy and adherence to standard precautions. BackgroundHospital-associated infections can pose a threat to patient safety and are a critical public health issue that requires attention. DesignThis quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test/post-test design using a nonequivalent control group. MethodsInfection control nurses were randomly assigned to two groups using lottery methods. The experimental group received scenario-based simulation training, whereas both the experimental and control groups received conventional education. Data were collected from 27 August to 1 December 1 2022. The chi-square test and t-test were used for data analysis. ResultsThe mean scores for knowledge of infection prevention and control (t = 3.679, p < 0.001) and self-efficacy (t = 2.444, p = 0.018) were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Furthermore, the mean score for adherence to standard precautions was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (t = 2.030, p = 0.048). ConclusionOur results suggest that scenario-based simulation training for infection control might be effective in improving knowledge, self-efficacy and adherence to standard precautions. Scenario-based simulation training for infection control may be an effective educational intervention to enhance knowledge, self-efficacy and adherence to standard precautions, thus empowering nurses in infection prevention and control.

Assessment of dental students' knowledge of infection control and prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, new guidelines for dental practice were published. This research aims to examine the knowledge of dental students and their attitudes towards current guidelines. The study involved 76 fourth-year dental medicine students from three public universities in Croatia. A survey questionnaire was developed based on in-depth interviews and a pilot pretesting. The online questionnaire consisting of 36 questions was published using Google Forms. The survey data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and presented with descriptive statistics. Survey data showed the dental students' knowledge of the guidelines for dental practices is at an insufficient level (average score of 67% correct answers). Students who have come across the guidelines outside the faculty environment through assistantships have demonstrated lesser knowledge (65%) of the guidelines than the ones who do not (68%). A similar trend is observed with dental students who grew up in a family of doctors of dental medicine (61%) and ones who did not (68%). Students also independently assessed their knowledge of the guidelines as moderate (3.15 out of 5), while evaluating the application of current guidelines as very important (4.38 out of 5). Awareness of dental students should be improved by adapting the curriculum of dental studies and increasing the availability of information on current guidelines. Dental students need to be motivated to independently inform themselves about the current guidelines for dental practices, thus improving their clinical work.

Engage, educate, escape: The New Jersey Department of Health Project Firstline Escape Room

Objective: Participating in an escape room is not just an entertainment but can also be a form of education. Because of this, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), Project Firstline (PFL) created an escape room interactive training tool and skills-building exercise to encourage the identification and use of key infection control principles by current and future healthcare workers. Design and Setting: PFL is a US initiative that aims to provide infection prevention and control (IPC) knowledge to frontline healthcare workers. This article details health educators’ descriptions and experiences of an escape room developed as part of this initiative; guidance on how to incorporate this modality of learning into present and future teaching; and assessment data and feedback from participants to begin to understand the impact and effectiveness of this approach to learning. Methods: A total of 8 sessions, conducted in 3 locations, with 64 participants, yielded survey assessment data from 41 participants. Results: Quantitative results indicated that participants were highly satisfied with the escape room experience and reported an increased level of knowledge after participation. In addition, participants reported extremely high levels of intention to implement the training they received, and all would recommend the escape room experience to a friend or a colleague. Qualitative data supports the overall findings and provides specific examples of how participants said they would implement the knowledge they learned, along with additional positive feedback. Conclusion: Current and continuing efforts to promote PFL’s escape room are described, along with improvements and future actions.

Development and Implementation of a Mobile-Integrated Simulation for COVID-19 Nursing Practice: A Randomized Controlled Pretest-Posttest Experimental Design.

This study developed and evaluated the effects of a mobile-integrated simulation training program on infection prevention and nursing practices based on past experiences of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) care. We developed mobile videos for the experimental group and an educational booklet for the control group based on the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model. The effects of the simulation program with the use of mobile videos on knowledge of COVID-19 management, infection prevention practice confidence, and clinical decision-making anxiety and confidence were analyzed through a randomized controlled pretest-posttest experimental design. Data from 109 participants were analyzed. Five mobile videos were developed with a total duration of 43 min and 13 s. The experimental group showed significantly greater improvement in knowledge of COVID-19 management (p = 0.002) and infection prevention practice confidence (p < 0.001). Using the mobile-integrated COVID-19 nursing practice simulation program, nurses who have no experience with emerging infectious diseases can increase their infection control knowledge and infection prevention practice confidence. In conclusion, the mobile-integrated COVID-19 nursing practice simulation program was effective in increasing infection control knowledge and infection prevention practice confidence in nurses without COVID-19 care experience.

Case Study Protocol to Evaluate the Impact of Training Intervention on Cleaners' Knowledge Level, Perceptions and Practices regarding Correct Cleaning Techniques at Selected Care Facilities in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Despite being preventable, healthcare-associated infections are known primary causes of patient mortality and morbidity, threatening global public health. Though it is believed that one competent and dedicated cleaning staff member given the right tools and enough time can prevent more health-care-associated infectious diseases than a room full of doctors and nurses can cure, it was discovered in Letaba Hospital of the Limpopo Province, South Africa, that knowledge and practices of infection control among cleaning staff were not optimal. The proposed study aims to evaluate the impact of training interventions on cleaners' knowledge levels and practices. In Phase 1, cleaners' pre-training knowledge level, practices, and perceptions regarding correct cleaning techniques will be assessed through qualitative, individual, in-depth interviews. The initial question will read, "Describe the steps you follow when cleaning at this health facility and why?" In Phase 2a, a cleaning training program will be developed based on the South African Qualification Authority ID 118730 Healthcare Cleaner: Occupational Certificate Curriculum and the Center for Diseases Control and ICAN's Best Practices for Environmental Cleaning in Healthcare Facilities in Resource-Limited Settings. In Phase 2b, a cleaning training intervention will be implemented. In Phase 3, cleaners' post-training knowledge level, practices, and perceptions will be reassessed and compared to pre-training findings. The Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for an Interventional Trial, commonly known as SPIRIT, guided the development of this protocol. This protocol received ethical clearance number FHS/22/PH/04/3005 in August 2023 from the University of Venda Human and Clinical Trials Research Ethics Committee. The protocol approval was granted by the Limpopo Provincial Department of Health (LP_2022-05-028) in October 2023. This protocol is registered with the South African National Clinical Trial Registry. The findings of this study may provide baseline data upon which healthcare facilities' cleaner training qualification curriculum may be developed. In addition, this protocol contributes to the application of qualitative methodology in an intervention trial.

Health and safety of health workers in the Suame Municipality of Ghana - Lessons learnt from the COVID-19 outbreak in infection prevention and control for future pandemics.

Effective adherence to infection prevention and control practices is needed to reduce the rate of healthcare-acquired infections among healthcare workers. Policies to control healthcare-acquired infections among healthcare workers can be designed and implemented using information on adherence to infection prevention and control practices adherence and its determinants. This study, therefore, sought to assess the adherence to infection prevention and control practices among healthcare workers during the 2019 Coronavirus disease pandemic. A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted among 323 randomly selected healthcare workers in four health facilities in the Suame Municipality, Ghana. Data on participants' socio-demographics, knowledge of infection prevention and control practices and adherence to infection prevention and control practices were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the effect of demographic characteristics and knowledge of infection prevention and control on adherence to infection prevention and control practices among study participants. Over three-quarters (75.9%) of the study participants had adequate knowledge of infection prevention and control practices with a significant knowledge gap in the colour coding of bin liners for waste segregation (35.6%). The proportion of study participants who reported good adherence to infection prevention and control practices was 86.7%. Healthcare workers who were 33 years and above (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.27; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.08-0.92) and absence of an infection prevention and control committee at the facility AOR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.08-0.73) had reduced odds of good adherence to infection prevention and control practices. Nursing staff (AOR: 9.49, 95% CI: 2.51-35.87) and having adequate knowledge of infection prevention and control practices (AOR: 2.66; 95% CI: 1.19-5.97) were associated with increased odds of good adherence to infection prevention and control practices. Adherence to infection prevention and control practices was high among this sample of Ghanaian healthcare workers. Interventions and strategies to improve adherence should include the setting up of infection prevention and control committees, education and strict observance of colour coding of bin liners for waste segregation and intensification of training of healthcare workers in infection prevention and control practices.

Assessment of patients’ knowledge, attitude and practice of cross-infection control in the dental clinic during COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a highly contagious disease that causes viral respiratory illness, has changed the lifestyle of humans worldwide. Dental practitioners and patients are at high risk of infection during their routine practice due to their exposure to saliva, blood, and droplet production.&#x0D; Aim: To gain insight into the patient’s viewpoint regarding the practice, altitude, and knowledge of COVID-19 and its transmission and cross-infection in dental clinics.&#x0D; Methods: This was cross–sectional analytic survey in dentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic. A self-administered close-ended questionnaire consisting of 32 variables was distributed among the study participants. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The level of significance was p ≤ 0.05.&#x0D; Results: The age of the participants varied from 20 - 58 years, with a mean age of 34.6 ±5. The majority (89.3%) felt COVID-19 was a highly contagious disease, while 50.0% of the respondents believed that the most common route of COVID-19 transmission in dentistry is through aerosols. The majority, 78.6%, recorded good knowledge of infection control following the COVID-19 outbreak. The number of married patients who had good knowledge of cross-infection control was 118, which was statistically significant.&#x0D; Conclusion: From the study, it is evident that the patients possess a good range of knowledge in both preventive and cross-infection protocols to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the same cannot be said about the practice.

The Influence of Infection Control Knowledge, Emergency Nursing Competency, and Infection Prevention Environment on Burnout among Psychiatric Nurses Caring for Patients with COVID-19

Purpose: Psychiatric nurses lack experience caring for patients with acute physical illnesses. Notably, they are expected to have experienced burnout when they were taking care of mentally ill patients infected with COVID-19. This study aimed to determine the impact of infection control knowledge, emergency nursing competency, and infection prevention environment on burnout.Methods: This survey was conducted on 127 psychiatric nurses from February to March 2023 using a structured self-report questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed through multiple regression analysis using the SPSS 28.0 program.Results: The subject's burnout score was 2.83 out of 5, infection control knowledge was 0.69 out of 1, emergency nursing competency was 2.80 out of 4, and infection prevention environment was 3.83 out of 5. Regression analysis showed infection control knowledge (β=-.17, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=.048) and nurses’ self-perceived efficacy in responding to an emergency (β=.26, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=.002) were factors affecting burnout, and the explanatory power for burnout was 9% (F=7.22, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.001).Conclusion: Based on these results, we believe that infection control is needed. In addition, rather than simply providing education to increase nurses' emergency nursing competence, educational measures are needed to increase nurses' sense of efficacy in responding to emergencies.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Infection Control among Medical Imaging Students in Unisza

Healthcare-associated infections risk in health care settings has caused a great concern to medical imaging students during clinical attachment due to high interaction rate with patients. Students may spread infections through inadequate knowledge and poor practice, which may then degrade the standard of care. Preventive measures and infection control policies have been developed to prevent the spread of infections, lower morbidity and medical care costs. However, recent evidence revealed poor level of health science students’ knowledge regarding infection control. This cross-sectional survey-based study is aimed to determine level of knowledge, attitude and practice towards infection control. This study is also aimed to determine the association between knowledge, attitude, and practice level of infection control and standard precautions among uniSZA medical imaging students. The sampling method used was purposive sampling. An online questionnaire was distributed using social media platforms, Whatsapp from 21th March to 22th April 2023. The questionnaire consists of 12 items on knowledge, 7 items on attitude and 10 items on practice about infection control. A total of 136 medical imaging students participated in this study, 98 Bachelor’s degree students and 38 Diploma students. Overall knowledge, attitude and practice level among students were good. The percentage of respondents had good knowledge, positive attitude and good practice were 100% (n=136), 100% (n=136) and 98.5% (n=134) respectively. Fisher’s exact test shows there was no association between attitude level and practice level of infection control among respondents (p =1.00). Continuous infection control training and education program are still required to enhance awareness of standard precautions and thus reduce infection exposure. Future recommendations are to include all health science students and medical students to participate in the survey. Further studies to assess the extent of public knowledge regarding infection control may also be conducted.

BLENDED GAMING COVID-19 TRAINING SYSTEM (BGCTS) FOR RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES: A CLUSTER RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract Objective This study aims to assess the effect of the Blended Gaming COVID-19 Training System (BGCTS) on infection control practices, compliance rates and knowledge of standard precautions among all staff in residential care homes (RCHs). Design: A 2-arm single-blinded cluster randomized controlled trial. Setting: Thirty RCHs were recruited and randomized. Due to COVID-19 pandemic and there were infected cases in the homes, 17 RCHs refused or delayed the on-site observations. Participants: 212 staff (from 13 RCHs) were randomized to the intervention group (IG) or the control group (CG) according to their RCHs. Intervention: This is a blended mode of training with contents derived from WHO and local guidelines. Results After using the BGCTS , the use of gloves and personal protective equipment (PPE) was significantly improved in IG than that of CG (F=43.206, p&amp;lt; 0.001). The IG has significantly higher scores in self-reported infection control practices (SICP) than that of CG (β= 2.619, Wald χ2 95% CI [4.291, 9.426]). Discussion BGCTS improved RCH staff’s performance in infection control practices. BGCTS was shown to be an effective training and it is worth to consider for adopting it as routine training for all staff in residential care homes.

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A QUESTIONNAIRE THAT SURVEYED DENTAL ASSISTANTS’ KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL MEASURES WITHIN SOUTH AFRICAN ORAL HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

Objective: In-depth research was conducted to find a suitable tool for measuring the knowledge, attitude, and practice of infection prevention and control (IPC) among dental assistants within oral healthcare facilities (OHCFs) in South Africa. However, the results were unsatisfactory, indicating the need to develop and validate a unique questionnaire for this purpose. This article explains the process followed to develop and validate a questionnaire designed to survey knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) in Health Sciences. Methods: To develop and validate a questionnaire, the researcher conducted a literature review to understand the process involved. The initial version of the questionnaire was then drafted. In order to assess its reliability and validity, both objective and subjective evaluations were conducted. A total of 25 individuals formed part of the respective review panels, including five academics, two infection prevention and control experts, five dentists, seven oral hygienists, and six dental assistants from public and private OHCFs. These individuals performed the subjective evaluations of the draft questionnaire. The draft questionnaire was then administered to a group of 60 dental students from the Central University of Technology (CUT). The data obtained from this group enabled the researcher to perform further objective evaluations by applying statistical measures using a Microsoft Excel programme. The reliability of items in the Knowledge domain was determined by the Kuder Richardson (KR20) test, with Cronbach’s alpha applied to items within the Attitude and Practice domains. A conservative approach to the interrater agreement (IRA) assessed the overall reliability. A panel of reviewers determined the face validity. Content validity was determined by the average congruency percentage (ACP), item content validity (I-CVI) and scale content validity (S-CVI). Results: The final questionnaire addressed seven IPC themes and encompassed 188 items. The tests to determine the instrument’s reliability yielded satisfactory results. The KR-20 score ranged between 0.94 and 0.65. The Cronbach’s alpha for items probing Attitude ranged between 0.99 and 0.86, and Cronbach’s alpha for items investigating IPC practices ranged between 0.97 and 0.69. The alternative approach to the IRA yielded 91%, and the conservative approach was 74%. Similarly, the tests to determine the validity of the questionnaire also yielded satisfactory results, with an ACP of 94%, above 90% I-CVI for readability, clarity, and feasibility and the S-CVI of 74%. Conclusion: The results of the reliability and validity tests confirmed that the questionnaire is suitable to measure the IPC knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental assistants.

Infection prevention knowledge and practices among healthcare workers at a health facility in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of infection prevention practices among healthcare workers. Prioritizing this crucial aspect of healthcare can mitigate the spread of infectious diseases and ensure the well-being of our healthcare heroes and their communities. The purpose of the research was to investigate the knowledge and practice of infection prevention and control. The study was a cross-sectional study that used self-administered paper-based questionnaires. The study sample of 316 eligible healthcare workers was selected using stratified sampling. Data was entered into EPI Info version 7.2 and exported to SPSS version 27 for analysis. The ethics committees of the university and the hospital approved the study. The majority of participants 116 (36.7%) were nurses. The mean age was 34.79 years ± 8.37, 118 (37.30%) were male while 198 (62.7%) were female. Only 169 (53.9%) knew the recommended duration for hand washing. 132 (41.8%) of healthcare workers believed needles should be recapped following use. Healthcare workers were twice as likely to wash their hands before contact and five times more likely to wash their hands after contact with a patient, their bedding, or after a procedure (AOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.04-3.20), (AOR 4.51, 95% CI 1.76-11.54) respectively. Personal protective equipment (PPEs) were twice as likely to be unavailable (AOR 2.39, 95% CI 1.31-4.37). The findings revealed suboptimal knowledge and practice of hand hygiene indicating the need for healthcare workers to be trained on Infection Prevention and Control. PPE(s) must be provided for healthcare workers to improve compliance with IPC practices.

Radiographers’ knowledge, attitudes and practice of infection prevention and control in the CT suite: A rural perspective

Radiographers’ knowledge, attitudes and practice of infection prevention and control in the CT suite: A rural perspective

Train-the-trainers intervention for national capacity building in infection prevention and control for COVID-19 in Nigeria

BackgroundThe first case of COVID-19 in Nigeria was reported on February 27, 2020, and over time, spread across the country leading to many healthcare worker infections. The risk of transmission of COVID-19 within healthcare facilities makes it necessary to establish infection prevention and control measures. The World Health Organisation supported the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to conduct a train-the-trainers workshop on infection prevention and control for key healthcare workers across Nigeria. Aim/ObjectivesThis study aims to describe the process and results of train-the-trainers as an intervention for national capacity building in infection prevention and control for COVID-19 among healthcare workers in Nigeria. MethodsEight-hour sessions were held over three days with face-to-face instruction and practical hands-on experience in April 2020. A total of 61 healthcare workers participated across the six geographic zones of Nigeria: North Central, North East, North West, South West, South East, and South South. The training included slide presentations, case-based scenarios, and practical hands-on sessions with plenary discussions. Pre- and post-test assessments were used to evaluate knowledge of COVID-19, triage, and infection prevention and control among healthcare workers. Finding/Results69 % (42) of the participants were male 31 % (19) were female, and the majority (67 %) were medical doctors. Others attending were nurses or health administrators. Of the 70 % (26) of the states with existing infection prevention and control structures within the COVID emergency response, only 40 % were functional. The average percentage of pre-test and post-test scores were 60.8 ± 13.4 and 67.8 ± 9 0.3 respectively, showing a statistically significant difference (p > 0.001) in trainee knowledge. Additionally, 70 % of participants evaluated the training workshop as “satisfactory” or higher in training format, relevance for daily clinical work, active participation, learning new concepts, and logistics. ConclusionNationwide infection prevention and control training is feasible during a national health crisis. Infection prevention and control is cardinal in the containment of epidemic-prone diseases like COVID-19 and is invaluable in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in healthcare settings.

Using Kern model to design, implement, and evaluate an infection control program for improving knowledge and performance among undergraduate nursing students: a mixed methods study

BackgroundNurses and Nursing students are the front line of care in managing the care of infectious patients then they have more contact with patients than other students. Therefore, the aim of this study was designing, implementing and evaluating the infection control program among undergraduate nursing students using a mixed study.MethodThe mixed method approach with sequential exploratory (qualitative-quantitative) method was used. Kern model was applied in six steps included: 1-Needs assessment 2- Initial design 3- Goals and specific objectives 4- Educational strategy 5- Program implementation 6- Program evaluation. Thirty nursing students and 3 nursing faculty members were selected through purposive sampling for focus group in need assessment. Single-group semi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design was used in partnership with all eighth semester nursing students in program evaluation.ResultData analysis of focus group obtained two categories including: Need to improve knowledge in infection control and need to improve performance in infection control. With need assessment and literature review, educational content developed according to nursing students learning needs. Then, 3 faculty members prepared a course plan including goals, specific objectives, educational strategy for student assignments. One-way analysis of variance to compare the average score of knowledge, performance and its categories before, 2 weeks after the intervention and 2 months after the intervention shows a statistically significant difference (p > 0.001). Pearson's correlation coefficient shows that there is a negative linear relationship between work experience and knowledge score 2 weeks after and 2 months after the intervention (p < 0.05).ConclusionAccording to our results, it is recommended the need to revise the curriculum for the integration of the infection control program in the undergraduate nursing education. Of course, it is necessary to conduct more studies in the field by dividing this program into internship and field internship.

Assessment of the Knowledge and Practice of Infection Control among Radiographers in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia in the period from February to May 2022, with data collected using an online survey in the form of a google forms questionnaire disseminated through social media as an electronic link and including the patient's demographic characteristic such as age, gender, education level, experience, and prior infection control training and multiple closed ended questions to assess knowledge of standard infection control precautions and the practice of infection control. Overall, 113 participants responded to the survey and entered their responses directly, and the data were analyzed using the SPSS (statistical package for social science). The study revealed that the mean score of knowledge and awareness of the practice of infection control among radiographers in Saudi Arabia was (63.0 and 61.9, respectively), which were considered moderate levels. Females were significantly more knowledgeable about infection control and more aware of the practice than males (p-values = 0.019). The participants who previously attended courses of infection control training had a significantly higher score with a mean rank of (60.9) than those who had not (43.4), (p-value = 0.013). The radiographers' level of experience, age, and academic qualification had no significant influence on overall knowledge and practice of infection control (p-values > 0.05). In Saudi Arabia, radiographers have a moderate level of knowledge and practice of infection control. There is a need for an ongoing training and education program for practicing radiographers to ensure they perform better in infection control measures.