Healthcare Associated Infections: educational intervention by "Adult Learning" in an Italian teaching hospital

Area of Science:

• Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevention
• Medical education
• Hospital epidemiology

Background:

• An educational intervention was implemented in an Italian teaching hospital to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
• The intervention combined training, motivation, and practical application in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention for HAI prevention among healthcare workers (HCWs).
• To assess HCWs' perceptions of the impact and control of various HAI-related issues.

Main Methods:

• A pilot mandatory training program on HAI prevention was conducted for HCWs in a 450-bed teaching hospital.
• The "Impact/control matrix" tool was used to evaluate the perceived impact and control of HAI-related issues by participants.
• Data were collected from physicians, nurses, and non-clinical professionals.

Main Results:

• 58 HAI-related issues were identified by 92 participants, with staff shortage and hand hygiene being significant concerns.
• HCWs perceived varying levels of impact and control for different HAI issues.
• While hand hygiene was seen as controllable, knowledge gaps existed in visitor management and patient communication regarding HAIs.

Conclusions:

• HCWs demonstrated a good understanding of infection control principles but perceived variability in the impact and control of HAI-related issues.
• The "Adult Learning" model is suggested as a valuable approach to improve HCW compliance with HAI prevention strategies.
• Addressing perceived control and impact variability is crucial for enhancing HAI prevention efforts.