From Awareness to Action: Nurses' Experiences of Infection Control Measures in Clinical Practice

This study aimed to explore nurses' experiences with the implementation of infection control measures, with a particular focus on perceived barriers, compliance practices, and organizational support mechanisms.

While infection control is a critical component of patient safety, the practical implementation of infection control protocols often encounters systemic and environmental barriers, particularly in inpatient care settings.

A qualitative study was conducted using the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach. Semistructured interviews were conducted online via Zoom with 15 nurses working in internal medicine units at a university hospital in Türkiye between September and December 2024. Each participant had at least 2 years of professional experience. Data were analyzed inductively in line with IPA principles to identify recurring themes and meaning structures.

Four main themes emerged: (1) Awareness and Compliance, reflecting nurses' knowledge and routine practices related to infection control; (2) Challenges in Implementation, including workload pressures, staffing shortages, and physical environment limitations; (3) The Role of Training, emphasizing the perceived value of interactive and practice-based education; and (4) Monitoring and Continuous Improvement, highlighting the need for regular audits and constructive feedback mechanisms. Notably, the barriers identified were predominantly organizational and systemic rather than individual, underscoring the importance of institutional support.

Although nurses demonstrated strong awareness and commitment to infection prevention, structural and managerial challenges appeared to limit the consistent implementation of infection control measures. Strengthening institutional support, revising audit mechanisms, and enhancing staff engagement may help support sustainable infection control practices.

Nurse leaders and healthcare administrators may consider addressing workforce capacity, supporting practice-oriented training approaches, and implementing constructive supervision and feedback systems to enhance adherence to infection control standards and promote a culture of safety in clinical practice.