Determining and Comparison of Infection-Control Status before and after Educational Intervention among Patients and Staff in Hemodialysis Ward

Abstract

Background: There are a lot of patients with end-stage renal disease in our country and the number is increasing. Some of variables such as patient health and infection control in hemodialysis ward have important role in patients’ hospitalization. Due to access infection or fever of unknown origin, the length of hospital staying may be increased. Also, mortality and hospital cost may be increased too. The aim of this study was determining infection-control status before and after educational intervention in hemodialysis ward of Alzahra hospital, Isfahan, Iran. Methods: This quasi-experiment study was done by a method of assessment 1 month before and after a 2-month educational intervention among patients and staff of hemodialysis ward. The checklist for assessment was achieved from the latest CDC (Centers for diseases control and prevention) guideline. The data were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Findings: Before the intervention, 6 employees (46.1%) did hand washing and 8 (61.5%) did aseptic behavior; fistula or graft-site washing before dialysis was done by 13 (76.9%) patients; and disinfection of instruments was done by 10 employees (76.9%). After the intervention, hand washing was done by 13 (100%) and aseptic behavior by 12 employees (92.3%); fistula or graft-site washing was done by 22 patients (63.6%); and disinfection of instruments was done by 12 employees (92.3%). Only doing hand washing by staff was statistically difference after of intervention. Conclusion: According to results of this study, advanced level of education among hemodialysis staff is needed. Improving staff awareness during routine educational programs with practical education must be done, too.

Keywords

• Infection control
• Hemodialysis
• Health key