Nurses’ Knowledge and Performance Regarding Infection Control Measures in Processing of Laryngoscope of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Background: The neonatal intensive care unit is one of the most infection-prone areas in the hospital. The laryngoscope is identified as a potential vector for cross-infection. So, assessing knowledge and performance of NICU nurses is baseline to improve well-being of patients. Aim : This study aimed to assess the nurses' knowledge and performance regarding infection control measures in processing of laryngoscope of neonatal intensive care unit. Method : A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized in this study. Setting : study was conducted at Mansoura Specialized Hospital at Mansoura city on a convenient sample of (35) nurses working in the NICU. Tools : Three tools were used to collect data as the following: nurses’ demographic and occupational characteristics questionnaire sheet, nurse’s knowledge about infection control measures toward laryngoscope processing and observational checklist. Results : The overall total knowledge score revealed that (60%) of nurses showed a poor score level of knowledge with a mean of 14.4(4.33). A few percentages of nurses had competent perform hand hygiene, wear personal protective equipment, sharp and waste disposal (2.9%, 0% and 0% respectively). Moreover, there was significant relation between nurses' educational level and total knowledge score. While there was no relation between nurses' occupational characteristics and total performance score related infection control measure in laryngoscopy. Conclusion : Nurses had a poor score level of knowledge in addition, inadequate performance regarding infection control measures in processing of laryngoscope. Recommendation : Continuous educational programs to keep nurses in neonatal intensive care units updated with the evidence based practices and carry interventions for reducing infection