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Nurses' compliance to standard precautions prior to and during COVID‐19.

Authors :
Dobrina, Raffaella
Donati, Daniele
Giangreco, Manuela
De Benedictis, Anna
Schreiber, Silvana
Bicego, Livia
Scarsini, Sara
Buchini, Sara
KWOK, Stephen Wai Hang
Lam, Simon Ching
Source :
International Nursing Review. Mar2024, Vol. 71 Issue 1, p20-27. 8p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Aims: To measure nurses' compliance with standard precautions during the COVID‐19 pandemic, compare findings with previous assessments and describe the barriers affecting nurses' compliance. Background: Healthcare providers' compliance with standard precautions is still limited worldwide. Implementation of infection control policies in hospitals is needed internationally, especially during a pandemic. Surprisingly, studies exploring nurses' compliance with standard precautions are lacking during COVID‐19. Methods: A multicenter cross‐sectional study was adopted in two Italian hospitals. Nurses' compliance with standard precautions was measured through The Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale (Italian version). An open‐ended question explored the barriers to nurses' compliance with standard precautions. Reporting, followed the STROBE guidelines. Results: A total of 201 nurses were enrolled in 2020. Nurses' compliance with standard precautions was suboptimal. A statistically significant improvement in the compliance rate with standard precautions was observed between pre‐ and during COVID‐19 assessments. High compliance was found in the appropriate use of surgical masks, gloves and sharps disposal. Nurses perceived personal, structural and organizational barriers to standard precautions adherence. Conclusion: Nurses' compliance with standard precautions was not 100%, and different factors impeded nurses to work safely. Our findings provide institutional leaders and educators with the basis for implementing policies to optimize nurse safety, well‐being and patient care. Implications for nursing and health policies: Nurses have the right to work safely, and when the shortage of personal protective equipment and nurses during an emergency threatens healthcare quality worldwide, policymakers are challenged to act by establishing an effective allocation of resources for consistent compliance with standard precautions. Moreover, nurses should actively engage in the implementation of infection control policies to improve safe behaviours among citizens and students accessing hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00208132
Volume :
71
Issue :
1
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
International Nursing Review
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
175750630
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12830