Authors: (including presenting author): :
Cheng CL (1), Kwok MH (1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Department of Medicine and Geriatric, the United Christian of Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Infection Control
Keyword 2: :
Contact Precaution
Keyword 3: :
Visiting Relatives
Keyword 4: :
Enhancement Programme
Introduction: :
The rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), particularly Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), poses significant infection control challenges in healthcare settings. Family members and visitors often lack adherence to contact precautions, which is critical for preventing the spread of these organisms. This project aimed to enhance visitors' compliance with infection control measures through an educational program targeting awareness and practical skills.
Objectives: :
The primary objective was to improve visitors' adherence to contact precautions for patients under isolation by assessing baseline knowledge and implementing a structured workshop intervention. Specific objectives included evaluating visitors’ understanding of contact isolation practices and measuring their compliance with these practices post-intervention
Methodology: :
A total of 40 visitors were enrolled, divided into a control group and an intervention group. The intervention group participated in a workshop that included a tailored educational video on proper contact precautions, followed by the distribution of informative take-home cards. Pre-intervention surveys assessed baseline knowledge, and post-intervention adherence was evaluated through direct observations during visiting hours using a structured checklist.
Result & Outcome: :
Results indicated a significant increase in adherence to contact precautions among the intervention group. Pre-intervention, 80% of both groups failed to recognize the need to ask staff permission before entering isolation areas. Post-workshop, asking for permission increased from 25% to 75% in the intervention group, compared to a modest rise in the control group (15% to 25%). Adherence to wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) improved dramatically, with 85% of the intervention group complying compared to 30% in the control group. Additionally, the intervention group demonstrated greater understanding and execution of hand hygiene practices. This educational workshop, grounded in the COM-B model, effectively enhanced visitors’ adherence to infection control measures for patients under contact precautions. The findings underscore the importance of engaging visitors as active participants in infection prevention strategies. Future initiatives should focus on sustaining these behavioral changes and investigating their long-term impact on infection rates, thus contributing to the overall safety of healthcare environments.
