Healthcare workersʹ knowledge and beliefs on contact isolation precautions

BACKGROUND: Contact isolation is used to prevent the transmission of antibiotic-resistant organisms (AROs). Adherence to the contact isolation (CI) policy is typically poor. Understanding healthcare workersʹ (HCWsʹ) knowledge of transmission of ARO and their beliefs for the practices of CI may improve CI compliance. METHODS: A convenience survey on HCWsʹ knowledge and beliefs CI policy was developed. This survey was administered to multiple HCWs with varied job titles. The purpose of this survey was to determine reasons for HCWs non-adherence to CI policy. Using the survey results, effective interventions can be designed to decrease the spread and acquisition of ARO. In 2004, 479 HCWs representing 2.16 % of the employee population of a 13-hospital healthcare system were surveyed. The questionnaire included measures on knowledge, beliefs, and barriers to compliance with CI policies. The data from the surveys were analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: Most of the participants were female 429/479 (90%) and were nurses 336/479 (70%); 223 /479 (47%) were employed <5 years, and 306/479 (64%) cared for 1-5 patients who were on CI during their shift. Preventing the spread of germs was believed to be the most important reason for CI by 99% (473/479) of the respondents, and 84% (404/479) believed that CI was important. 303 /479 (63%) of the participants answered that touching contaminated equipment and touching patients was the most common method of transmission of ARO. Not touching the patient was the most common reason for not wearing gowns (50%) and gloves (34%). Disinfectant unavailability (53%) and not enough time (29%) are the most common reasons for not disinfecting equipment. Most HCWs stated they practiced hand hygiene under all circumstances (83%-96%). 366/479 (77%) felt comfortable asking others to comply with the required barrier precautions. CONCLUSION: These survey results will be used to develop educational interventions focusing on methods of transmission for ARO and importance of barrier precautions to fill in the knowledge deficit of HCWs. Our survey has shown that a clear majority of HCWs believes that complying with the CI policy is important. Our HCWs also perceive that they practice hand hygiene better than previously reported. The next step will be to determine if observed CI and hand hygiene practices differ from self-reported behavior. The effectiveness of the upcoming educational intervention will be evaluated by reissuing the survey.