Rather, home health care nurses’ beliefs and perceptions seem to have most impact on compliance
FRIDAY, Dec. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Home health care workers’ beliefs about infection prevention seem to have a greater influence on prevention protocol compliance than their absolute knowledge of infection control practices, according to a study published in the November issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
David Russell, Ph.D., from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, and colleagues surveyed 359 nurses from two large certified home health care agencies to assess levels of compliance with infection control practices and identify associated demographic, knowledge, and attitudinal factors.
The researchers found that nurses reported a high level of compliance, correct knowledge, and favorable attitudes regarding infection control. Attitudinal scores were significantly positively associated with reported level of compliance. Knowledge of infection control practices, however, was not associated with compliance. Higher compliance with infection control practices was seen among older and non-Hispanic black nurses versus younger and white non-Hispanic nurses.
“Moving beyond a singular focus of knowledge by sharing messages that challenge perceptions on topics — from the influenza vaccine to proper handling of nursing bags — may go a long way toward enhancing compliance with effective infection control strategies,” Russell said in a statement.
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