Iraqi Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Nurses Performance of Infection Control Precautions

Document Type : Research articles

Authors

1 Anbar Health Department, Anbar Governorate, Republic of Iraq

2 Professor Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

3 Assistant Professor Adult Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Kirkuk University, Republic of Iraq

4 Assistant Professor Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

Abstract

Background: GI endoscopes are utilized as a diagnostic and treatment tool for a wide
range of GI illnesses; however, compared to other reusable medical devices,
contaminated endoscopes have been connected to greater infectious outbreaks and
medical staff , patient exposures for risks related to health care. Gastrointestinal tract
infections associated with endoscopies threat patients and nurses safety worldwide .
Objective: To assess Iraqi gastrointestinal endoscopy nurses performance of infection
control precautions . Design : A descriptive research design was used to carry out
this study in Iraq. Settings: The study was carried out in The Endoscopy Unit of the
Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital at Anbar Governorate, Iraq, The Endoscopy Unit of
Fallujah Teaching Hospital at Anbar Governorate , The Endoscopy Unit of Al-
Yarmouk Teaching Hospital at Baghdad Governorate and The Endoscopy Unit of
Gastroenterology Hospital in Medicine City at Baghdad Governorate. Subjects: All
nurses working at the above-mentioned settings who were available at the time of data
collection were included (43) nurses. Tools: two tools were used. Tool I:
"Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Nurses Performance of Infection Control Precautions ;
an Observational Checklist". Tool II: "Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Nurses Knowledge
of Infection Control Precautions ICPs Questionnaire". Results: More than tow third
of the studied nurses (67.4%) had "poor" knowledge and only (9.3%), had "good
knowledge", less than half of the studied nurses (48.8%) had "moderate" performance
and only (18.6%), had "good performance " the overall nurses’ performance to
practice standards was "moderate". Conclusion: More than two thirds of the studied
nurses had "poor" knowledge level and the overall nurses’ performance to practice
standards was "moderate". No statistical significant correlations, could be identified,
between the nurses’ overall knowledge and practice scores except for "Handling
soiled linen" and "Environmental cleaning" . Recommendations: It is necessary to
promote on the job training programs and courses , on regarding IPCPs and
endoscopy sterilization and disinfection, Performance of nursing staff at endoscopy
units should be , periodically , monitored & evaluated.

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