Knowledge and Education Needs Related to Multidrug Resistant Organisms Infection Control among Small and Medium Size Hospital Nurses

Abstract

This study was conducted to aid in the development of an infection control educational program for nurses, by assessing the knowledge and educational demand of nurses for MDRO infection control. Totally, 115 nurses participated in the study. Data were collected from November 15-30, 2019, using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, t-test, and ANOVA were applied for analyzing the data. Experience of caring for MDRO patients was reported by 86.1% nurses, whereas 67.8% nurses had received training on MDROs. The average score for knowledge on MDROs was 25.51 out of 27 points, with minimal correct answers given for the query on level of disinfection for medical equipment used by patients, criteria for the preemptive precaution, patient management in the cohort, and timing for removing personal protective equipment. The educational demand was highest for assignment to the precaution, criteria for screening examination, and management of outbreak. Also, educational needs differed with respect to the general educational characteristics and position of the individual. We propose the need to differentiate the educational status according to the career when developing the MDROs program, and the necessity to execute education of MDROs for new nurses and career nurses.