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Diagnostic radiography students' neonatal mobile X-ray imaging infection prevention and control practices
Vukona Percy Mabunda1, Yonela Patricia Mazibuko1, Thabiso Molelekoa1
1University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Insights
Diagnostic radiography students show inconsistent infection prevention and control (IPC) practices during mobile X-ray imaging in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). While understanding IPC importance, their adherence to cleaning protocols for equipment and receptors requires improvement.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiography
- Infection Prevention and Control
Background:
- Neonates require specialized care, often involving mobile diagnostic imaging.
- Infection prevention and control (IPC) is critical during mobile X-ray imaging in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
- This study assesses IPC practices among diagnostic radiography students in NICUs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the infection prevention and control (IPC) practices of diagnostic radiography students.
- To evaluate adherence to IPC protocols during mobile X-ray imaging in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Main Methods:
- A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted.
- Data was collected from diagnostic radiography students via an online questionnaire.
- Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Most students (93.6%) had access to NICU and IPC policies, but only 63.1% were familiar with protocols.
- Students rated their IPC practices as average (49.6%) or high (45.4%).
- Inconsistent cleaning practices were observed for mobile X-ray machines, image receptors, and radiographic markers.
Conclusions:
- Diagnostic radiography students exhibit inconsistent IPC practices in NICUs.
- While awareness of IPC importance is high, compliance with specific cleaning protocols varies.
- Further research is needed to understand and improve IPC practice compliance in this setting.
Introduction:
Neonates represent a unique population with complex medical needs. Diagnostic medical imaging is crucial for diagnosing and treating their conditions, often utilising mobile imaging equipment. A key aspect of providing mobile X-ray imaging for neonates is infection prevention and control (IPC). This study investigated the IPC practices of diagnostic radiography students conducting mobile X-ray imaging in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Method:
This quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study employed purposive sampling and used an online questionnaire to collect data from diagnostic radiography students at a higher education institution in Gauteng, South Africa. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results:
The survey had a response rate of 51.1% (n=141, N=276), primarily from the second-year cohort (44.7%). Most participants (n=132; 93.6%) had access to dedicated NICU and IPC policies, but only 63.1% (n=89) were familiar with the IPC protocols. The majority of participants (n=134; 95%) recognised the importance of limiting cross-contamination in the NICU. Participants rated their IPC practices as average (n=60; 49.6%) and high (n=64; 45.4%). More reported cleaning the mobile X-ray machine (n=89; 63%) and washing hands (n=114; 81%) before examinations rather than after, with image receptors (n=106; 75%) mostly cleaned after the examination.
Conclusion:
The IPC practices of diagnostic radiography students during mobile X-ray imaging in the NICU were inconsistent. Most students understood the importance of IPC; however, inconsistencies in cleaning mobile X-ray machines, image receptors and radiographic markers were reported. It is necessary to explore the reasons for these divergent IPC practices to develop strategies to enhance IPC practice compliance.
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