Infection Control in Optometric Practice: Evaluating the Impact of Guidelines on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice...

Area of Science:

• Optometry
• Infection Control
• Public Health

Background:

• Infection control (IC) is critical for patient safety in optometric settings.
• Limited understanding exists regarding optometrists' knowledge, attitudes, and practice behaviors (KAP) related to IC.
• Assessing and improving IC practices among Australian optometrists is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the infection control-related knowledge, attitudes, and practice behaviors (KAP) of Australian optometrists.
• To determine if engagement with updated IC guidelines can enhance optometrists' IC-related KAP.
• To identify barriers to optimal IC practices and preferred educational resources.

Main Methods:

• A two-part study involving Australian optometrists: a cross-sectional survey (Part A) and a pre-post intervention study (Part B).
• Part A assessed IC-related KAP using surveys and demographic questions. Knowledge was measured via MCQs/True-False, while attitudes and behaviors used Rasch-scaled measures.
• Part B involved randomizing participants to receive updated IC guidelines (intervention) or not (control) before re-surveying to assess guideline impact.

Main Results:

• Part A (n=302) revealed moderate knowledge (58% mean), supportive attitudes (79/100 median), and reported behaviors (64/100 median), with gaps in tonometer disinfection and exclusion periods.
• Barriers to best practices included insufficient time (47%), lack of workplace support (29%), and equipment access (28%).
• Part B (n=73) showed significant knowledge (p<0.01) and attitude (p=0.02) improvements in the intervention group, but no significant change in self-reported behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Engagement with IC guidelines significantly improved optometrists' knowledge but did not lead to behavioral changes.
• Environmental and motivational barriers must be addressed through multifaceted, theory-informed strategies.
• Implementing evidence-based IC practices requires combining guideline dissemination with targeted interventions and trusted resources.