Infection control practices in health care: Teaching and learning requirements of medical undergraduates

Abstract

a b s t r a c tBackground: Compliance and implementation of infection control guidelines have been recognized as efficient means to prevent and control hospital acquired infections. Objectives: To evaluate knowledge and practices about infection control guidelines amongst medical students and to explore their education needs as perceived by them and faculty. Methods: A total of 160 final year students and 100 faculty members of one of the top medical colleges in India were selected by simple random sampling in each group as per sample size of 143 students (alpha 0.05, error 7%, prevalence 60%) and 99 (error 7.5%) faculty. Data collected by pilot-tested, unlinked, anonymous questionnaire. Results: Amongst students, knowledge (77.50%; 95% CI, 70.24e83.72) was mixed with misconceptions. Only 31.25% always followed hand hygiene procedure; 50% recapped needles; disposal of hazardous material into designated containers always was low (sharps 20%, contaminated items 25%). Despite experiencing needle stick injury (6.25%) and splashes (40%), less than 30% reported these as 44% were unaware of reporting procedure. The discord between the perceptions of faculty regarding students and students' own perceptions was clearly evident (all Kappa values less than 0.50). Students and faculty agreed on workshops (58.13% and 58%) and reinforcement by colleagues (51% and 54%) but not on on-job training (51% and 34%) and part of curriculum (48% and 40%) for teachingelearning infection control. Conclusion: Tackling disconnect between students and faculty perceptions and empowering students with knowledge and skills in infection control is important. Approach needs to be researched and formulated as current methods seem to be inadequate. Available online at www.sciencedirect.com journal homepage: w ww.el sevier.com/locate/mjafi m e d i c a l j o u r n a l a r m e d f o r c e s i n d i a 6 9 ( 2 0 1 3 ) 1 0 7 e1 1 2

Conocimiento sobre infecciones asociadas a la atención de la salud en estudiantes de Medicina, Licenciatura en Bioanálisis y Licenciatura en Enfermería de una universidad venezolana

“…Throughout history, multiple investigations have been carried out in students and health workers to determine the degree of knowledge that they have about HAIs, as well as their attitude regarding the implementation of measures to prevent them, and the proper implementation of those measures when they have direct contact with patients. The results of those studies are divergent: some have reported insufficient knowledge of HAIs and their prevention, 8,9,[11][12][13] while others report adequate knowledge with specific deficiencies, 7,10,14,16,17 which coincides with the findings of the present study.…”

“…In the present research, most of the respondents stated that they acquired knowledge about HAIs while they were studying in the university, which coincides with the reports of other researchers. 4,7,11,14,15 However, self-learning was also reported as an important source of knowledge. 4,11,13 This is a relevant finding, as some authors argue that undergraduate education in developing countries does not often emphasize the potential risk of the spread of communicable infections from either the environment or from other patients or staff, and the corresponding preventive measures.…”

“…3,5,6 Studies conducted in different countries suggest that students of health science programs have insufficient knowledge of HAIs and their prevention; [7][8][9][10][11][12][13] this is mainly due to inadequate contents and training on these infections in the curricula of some universities. 5,11,12 In this sense, multiple authors have suggested that theoretical and practical contents on this matter should be strengthened 7,11,12,[14][15][16] and that specific courses addressing HAIs and their prevention should be created. 13,17 Two important aspects that should also be considered are the role of teachers in HAIs prevention training and their preparation for that.…”

Infection prevention and control curriculum in undergraduate nursing program: Internship nursing students’ perspectives

“…For that reason, undergraduate nursing program should include intended learning outcomes relevant to IPC which needs to be met and achieved by the nursing students. [14,15] Although IPC competency among nursing students and graduates is considered a significant and ongoing global issue, only few studies consider this area. Thus, the teaching and practice requirements of undergraduate nursing students regarding these issues need to be addressed.…”

Knowledge, awareness, and attitude regarding infection prevention and control among medical students: a call for educational intervention

“…It is estimated that one out of every 20 hospitalized patients will contract an HCAI. The risk is substantial not only for patients, but also for health care workers (HCWs), including medical students 7–9. Hence, it is essential for medical students to have adequate knowledge about infection prevention and control (IPC) practices and to incorporate these in the professional training of medical students.…”