Healthcare personnel compliance in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections

Abstract

Introduction. The rate of healthcare-associated infections is an indicator of the quality and safety of the patient, and their prevention and reduction is one of the main objectives at a global level. Aim of the study. To assess the level of information and application of information on healthcare associated infections among healthcare professionals. Materials and methods. Knowledge testing was made by filling an anonymous form mainly by nurses from different hospitals in Romania. The 32 form questions included the following topics: the importance of healthcare-associated infections, prevention and protection measures among medical staff, hand hygiene and transmission of pathogens inside hospitals Results. From a total of 152 respondents, 133 of them were nurses (87.5%), 132 were female (86.8%), 20 male (13.2%), aged between 22 and 57 years, an average of 36 years and an average work experience of 12.8 years. 62 participants (40.8%) considered that they had a good level of knowledge on healthcare-associated infections, but only 57 (37.5%) correctly marked the times when handwashing was needed and 40 (26.3%) of the respondents considered that lack of hygiene and non-compliance with disinfection rules are two of the main causes of healthcareassociated infections emergence. Conclusions. The level of knowledge about healthcare associated infections is quite low. Repeated training, periodic assessments of the level of knowledge, increased accountability and the implementation of cleaning, disinfection and sterilization protocols are required.