Assessing nurses'knowledge and practices on infection prevention in the ward at Holy Family Hospital,Berekum

Abstract

The study focused on evaluate the knowledge and practice infection prevention and control measures among staff nurses at the Holy Family Hospital, Berekum. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used in this study. This design was employed because nurses have unique or different characteristics that need to be studied at a point in time. The target population for the study is all staff nurses in the Berekum Municipality and the accessible population is the staff nurses of the Holy Family Hospital, Berekum.A total of fifty (50) staff nurses were selected for the study. The respondents were obtained using the convenient sampling method. Data collection was done through the use of structured questionnaires consisting of both closed-ended and open-ended questions for easy expression of views and ideas. The data obtained from the study were checked for accuracy, utility, and completeness. The study found that majority are young nurses’ ages between 26-33 years and experience (1-4 years). Sixty percent (60%) were females and 40% were males. The study attempted to assess nurse’s knowledge relevant to infection control measures. The study recommended that interactive infection control courses that promote critical thinking are implemented at undergraduate level along with more stringent forms of assessments focusing on infection prevention and control, during clinical training, also nurse managers need to be supervising the staff nurses on the practicing infection prevention standards and techniques and monitoring nursing adherence to policies of the hospital and administrators should promote feedback of practice, individual reinforcement and appropriate rewards for the good practice.The study concluded that majority of the sample had good knowledge about infection control measures and it showed lack of practice in hand washing and using gloving which are the most significant items to prevent transmission of infection.