Assessing infection control knowledge and compliance in theatre at a private hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Infections acquired in a hospital (HAI) often referred to as nosocomial infections are related with increasing morbidity and death among patients that are hospitalised and are predisposed to an elevated risk of infection by health workers (HCWs). The need to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program is therefore essential for quality health care. This study sought to assess the knowledge and compliance of infection control practices of Cardiovascular Perfusionists in theatre at a private healthcare facility in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in the city of Durban. A qualitative, research design was used to explore the knowledge and compliance of infection control practices of Cardiovascular Perfusionists by conducting online semi structured interviews. The interviews were conducted online due to the current pandemic of COVID-19, where much consideration was given to social distancing and modes of virus transmission. Duration of the interviews lasted no more than 20 minutes. Prior to conducting the main study, a pilot study was pursued in order to ensure that the interview questions were relevant and that the participants had clear engagement with the questions and no modification nor questions were added to the interview guide. The researcher found that the actual description of the professions differed in the procedures carried out, however, the theatre environment is the same, and only a few questions pertaining to the difference in practice of the participants had to be slightly rephrased in order to be more applicable to the main study. The study was conducted by means of a purposive sample of Cardiovascular Perfusionists. The interviews conducted were limited to only those that practice in the private sector. Participants were chosen based on their ability to provide the necessary information. The interviews were transcribed and then coded by a statistician. The rationale for selecting this strategy was that the researcher was seeking knowledge about the factors that influence the knowledge and compliance of Cardiovascular Perfusionists in the private sector regarding infection prevention and control techniques. Subsequently, these participants would be therefore able to contribute valuable information. The major themes which emerged where namely., infection control and prevention, knowledge of healthcare associated infections, awareness of healthcare acquired infections, cardiovascular perfusionists procedures and precautions followed in cardiovascular surgery. The study found that there is a need for Clinical Technologist specialising in Cardiovascular Perfusion to undergo training in infection control and prevention practices at the higher education and training level. Subsequently, the study reveals that Cardiovascular Perfusionists have a good overall understanding of pathogens and the implications thereof. The study also notes that there is considerable compliance to infection control practices in theatre irrespective of the knowledge pertaining to infection control and prevention policies.