3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions
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Item The opinions of nurses regarding low adherence to standard precautions to prevent healthcare acquired infections(2018) Mmereki, KennethThe purpose of this study was to explore the opinions of nurses as to why there was a low adherence to standard precautions (SP) of infection control , ways in which adherence might be improved and to make some suggestions to the Infection Prevention and Control policies and practice at an academic hospital. This study used a qualitative exploratory design. The population comprised of all Registered nurses (RNs) and Enrolled nurses working in the postnatal ward, general paediatric ward, medical ward, general surgical ward and general wards. Purposive sampling was used and the sample size was 28 (n = 28) .The self-administered narrative sketches were used as the data collection tool. This study employed directed content analysis in which the findings of the study were grouped independently and compared to findings of previous studies. The participants reaffirmed poor basic training, risk behaviours, inadequate provision of equipment and protective equipment and inappropriate work conditions as reasons for low adherence to Standard Precautions among nurses. Lack of skills and knowledge regarding standard precautions can lead to non-adherence. Behavioural and cognitive skills of individuals were associated with the low adherence to Standard Precautions. The study found that insufficient supply of resources, use of uncomfortable personal protective equipment, excessive workload, lack of time, high numbers of patients and shortage of nurses, all contribute to non-adherence to standard precautions among nurses. The findings of the study do not support unawareness of the importance of standard precautions as a reason for low adherence to SPs. Most participants felt that the level of adherence to standard precautions among nurses was satisfactory. Nurses recommended continuous education, regular audits, motivation, increasing numbers continuous support visits and use of reminders. Recommendations to the policies of Infection Control at the hospital include continuing professional development/education, regular supply of Personal Protective Equipment, Institutional strategies to change risk behaviours, management support. Further research should be conducted to examine strategies to address barriers found in this study.Item Knowledge, attitudes and practices of general assistants towards infection control at Letaba Hospital(2015-03-26) Peta, Mmalahla RebeccaIntroduction - The implementation of infection prevention and control guidelines is important for the improvement of quality care in hospitals. This study aimed to identify gaps in the knowledge and attitudes of general assistants about infection control and to determine if their infection control practices are in line with current policies and guidelines. In investigating the practices of general assistants, the institution was assisted to identify gaps in knowledge and try to strengthen practices. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Letaba hospital in Mopani district. The knowledge, attitudes and practices of 97 general assistants towards infection control at a given point in time was measured through a structured questionnaire which was administered to those who consented to participate. Purposive sampling was used as only those who were at work during the data collection period were included in the study. Results - This study revealed that over 50% of general assistants at Letaba hospital have only moderate knowledge about infection control. Fifty seven percent of general assistants reported moderately good infection control practices, while 23% practice infection control poorly. The majority (75%) of general assistants at Letaba hospital reported positive attitudes towards infection control. The results also show that the moderate score in knowledge affected the practice of infection control. Conclusion - This study shows that the knowledge and practice of infection at Letaba hospital is not optimal with regard to complying with infection control guidelines. It was, however, noted that attitudes towards infection control were good. Based on the fact that the attitudes were good, knowledge and practice can be improved with provision of appropriate supplies and strengthening training and supervision.