Abstract
Quantitative study of infection control practices of community nurses.
The number of healthcare associated infections is of global concern, as is their increasing resistance to antibiotics. The complex patient environment and the autonomy of home care nursing practice pose a specific challenge for infection control practices in the patient’s home. The objective of this study was to identify key areas of concern in home care nursing practice with a view to improving patient safety and infection control practices.
After a review of current evidence for infection control practices and hygiene in home care settings, a postal questionnaire was designed to evaluate current practice and sent to 883 independent home care nurses in the Department of Seine and Marne (Paris region) in 2012. Two hundred and six (24%) of them responded.
The results suggest that independent home care nurses in the Paris region are experiencing difficulties in implementing standard infection control practices. Only 8.7% of the sample group complied with all the legal requirements for clinical waste management. Availability of personal protective equipment was limited. The lack of hospital liaison when patients are discharged to home care services is a major source of risk for patients and for professionals’ safety.
This study may enable heath authorities to define a strategy to respond to the difficulties encountered by home care nurses, thus improving patient and practitioners’safety.
The number of healthcare associated infections is of global concern, as is their increasing resistance to antibiotics. The complex patient environment and the autonomy of home care nursing practice pose a specific challenge for infection control practices in the patient’s home. The objective of this study was to identify key areas of concern in home care nursing practice with a view to improving patient safety and infection control practices.
After a review of current evidence for infection control practices and hygiene in home care settings, a postal questionnaire was designed to evaluate current practice and sent to 883 independent home care nurses in the Department of Seine and Marne (Paris region) in 2012. Two hundred and six (24%) of them responded.
The results suggest that independent home care nurses in the Paris region are experiencing difficulties in implementing standard infection control practices. Only 8.7% of the sample group complied with all the legal requirements for clinical waste management. Availability of personal protective equipment was limited. The lack of hospital liaison when patients are discharged to home care services is a major source of risk for patients and for professionals’ safety.
This study may enable heath authorities to define a strategy to respond to the difficulties encountered by home care nurses, thus improving patient and practitioners’safety.
| Translated title of the contribution | Infection control practices of home care nurses in the department of Seine and Marne, France, 2012 |
|---|---|
| Original language | Undefined/Unknown |
| Pages (from-to) | 115-119 |
| Journal | Bulletin Epidemiological Hebdomadaire |
| Publication status | Published - 18 Feb 2014 |
Keywords
- Infection control
- Home care nursing
- Personal protective equipment
- Clinical waste management
- Hospital liaison