Patient Involvement in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Practice: Knowledge and Perception Study

Abstract

Background: Patient involvement is increasingly recognized as critical component for improved care, and patients has been identified of as having a potentially important role for better health outcome as a result of their involvement in their care plan. A usual saying that infection prevention and control is “everyone’s business” is frequently understood to include not only healthcare workers but also patients and their relatives, all of whom are seen as stakeholders with a part to play in ensuring a better patient outcome. There is limited evidence about knowledge and perception about involving patient and/or relatives in IPC implementation in a post–Ebola-outbreak country. Objectives: We aimed to ascertain the knowledge and perception of patient involvement in infection prevention and control (IPC) practice. Methods: We used a qualitative approach comprising interviews with patients and/or relatives and health workers sampled from 5 hospitals. Participants (n = 60) included 25 nurses, 25 patients and/or relatives, 5 IPC focal persons, and 5 hospital administrators. Interviews used a structured questionnaire to explore staff views on patient involvement. A separate questionnaire was used to survey patient perspectives and knowledge about basic hospital IPC practices. Results: Of 60 interviews, 64% of nurses supported involving patient in hospital IPC practice, saying that the patient can serve as a reminder during the time of care, whereas 36% disagreed with involving the patient because of fear of having confrontations with the patient. Also, 92% of patients and/or relatives agreed to their involvement because they viewed it as their right; only 8% did not accept involvement because they thought it was a burden and not their responsibility. All 5 IPC focal persons (100%) supported patient involvement; they thought it would enhance overall IPC compliance and keep healthcare workers reminded of IPC practice, most especially hand hygiene. Also, 100% of hospital administrators supported involving patients because they felt that patient should be involved in their care plan. Conclusions: From this study, it is evident that patient involvement is key in optimizing IPC compliance in hospitals. The study findings indicate that most patients have knowledge of the importance of hand washing since the Ebola outbreak; however, they lack knowledge on other practices such as waste disposal, cough etiquette, etc. There is need for IPC orientation on admission and continuous patient education.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None

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Christiana Kallon