Can ward rounds be used by infection prevention control teams to deliver education and enhance knowledge to clinical staff.

Abstract

Background: Infection Prevention Control (IPC) education is a key aspect of training for all staff as it forms a fundamental aspect of patient safety. The majority of IPC education is carried out in the classroom, by e-learning or through simulation. Different models of education delivery have been evaluated in healthcare outside of IPC with some success, including ward rounds. Therefore, a ward round intervention was utilised using an action research model to evaluate if it was feasible to carry out IPC education in the clinical environment and determine if it improved education opportunities and knowledge for staff.

Methods: A mixed methods approach was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data in the form of questionnaires, interventions and reflections using thematic analysis.

Discussion: The results suggest that a ward round intervention for IPC education provides opportunities for staff to receive education. It also could contribute to an improved relationship between ward and IPC staff through collaborative working.

Conclusion: Whilst this was only a small action research study in one ward with limitations the findings suggest that IPC education can be delivered in the clinical environment and that IPC education delivery is an area that requires more research.