A study of U.S. home healthcare nurses, published in the American Journal of Infection Control, found attitudes and organizational policies are more likely to improve infection control compliance than nurses' knowledge of IC practices.
Researchers studied 359 nurses' knowledge, attitudes and compliance in relation to infection control practices. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality funded the study.
Here's what you should know:
1. There wasn't an association between compliance and knowledge of infection control practices.
2. Nine percent of respondents said they wear a disposable facemask when there might be a splash or splatter, and 79 percent wear a gown if soiling with blood or bodily fluids is likely. Six percent wear goggles or an eye shield if there's a possibility of exposure to bloody discharge or fluid.
3. A little over two-thirds said the influenza vaccine is safe.
4. Four percent consider it easy to take a sick day at home.
5. About 30 percent of respondents didn't realize hand hygiene should be performed after touching the nursing bag.
6. Based on the findings, the authors say home healthcare infection control improvement efforts should focus on altering nurses' perceptions and attitudes about infection risk.
The full study can be found here.
