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Increased Adherence to Infection Control Practices Among Medical Laboratory Technicians During the COVID-19 Pandemic:
Refat Nimer1, Samer Swedan1, Hassan Kofahi1
1Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Dept. of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan.
Background:
The adherence of medical laboratory technicians (MLT) to infection control guidelines is essential for reducing the risk of exposure to infectious agents. This study explored the adherence of MLT towards infection control practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method:
The study population consisted of MLT (n = 444) who worked in private and government health sectors in Jordan. A self-reported survey was used to collect data from participants.
Findings:
More than 87% of the participants reported adherence to hand-washing guidelines and using personal protective equipment (PPE) when interacting with patients (74.5%), and handling clinical samples (70.0%). Besides, 88.1%, 48.2%, and 7.7% reported wearing of lab coats, face masks, and goggles, at all times, respectively. The majority reported increased adherence to infection control practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes increased PPE use at the workplace (94.2%), increased frequency of disinfection of laboratory surfaces (92.4%) and laboratory equipment (86.7%), and increased frequency of handwashing/use of antiseptics (94.6%). Having a graduate degree was significantly associated with increased adherence of participants to the daily use of goggles/eye protection (p = 0.002), and the use of PPE while handling clinical samples (p = 0.011). Having work experience of >10 years was associated with increased adherence to the use of PPE while handling clinical samples (p = 0.001).
Conclusion:
MLT reported very good adherence with most assessed infection control practices. In addition, they reported increased conformity with infection control guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Insights
Medical laboratory technicians showed high adherence to infection control practices, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased use of personal protective equipment and disinfection was reported, with higher education linked to better adherence.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare
- Infection Control
- Laboratory Medicine
Background:
- Adherence to infection control guidelines by medical laboratory technicians (MLT) is crucial for preventing infectious agent exposure.
- This study investigated MLT adherence to infection control during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the adherence of MLT to infection control practices.
- To explore changes in adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- A self-reported survey was administered to 444 MLT in Jordan's private and government health sectors.
- Data collection focused on hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and disinfection practices.
Main Results:
- Over 87% of MLT adhered to hand-washing guidelines.
- Increased adherence to PPE use (94.2%), surface disinfection (92.4%), and equipment disinfection (86.7%) was reported during the pandemic.
- Higher education and over 10 years of experience were associated with increased adherence to specific practices like eye protection and PPE use with samples.
Conclusions:
- MLT demonstrated strong adherence to most infection control practices.
- Conformity with infection control guidelines significantly increased among MLT during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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