Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease (Jul 2023)

Improvement in Infection Prevention and Control Performance Following Operational Research in Sierra Leone: A Before (2021) and After (2023) Study

  • Senesie Margao,
  • Bobson Derrick Fofanah,
  • Pruthu Thekkur,
  • Christiana Kallon,
  • Ramatu Elizabeth Ngauja,
  • Ibrahim Franklyn Kamara,
  • Rugiatu Zainab Kamara,
  • Sia Morenike Tengbe,
  • Matilda Moiwo,
  • Robert Musoke,
  • Mary Fullah,
  • Joseph Sam Kanu,
  • Sulaiman Lakoh,
  • Satta Sylvia T. K. Kpagoi,
  • Kadijatu Nabie Kamara,
  • Fawzi Thomas,
  • Margaret Titty Mannah,
  • Victoria Katawera,
  • Rony Zachariah

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8070376
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 7
p. 376

Abstract

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Introduction: Infection prevention and control (IPC) is crucial to limit health care-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance. An operational research study conducted in Sierra Leone in 2021 reported sub-optimal IPC performance and provided actionable recommendations for improvement. Methods: This was a before-and-after study involving the national IPC unit and all twelve district-level secondary public hospitals. IPC performance in 2021 (before) and in 2023 (after) was assessed using standardized World Health Organization checklists. IPC performance was graded as: inadequate (0–25%), basic (25.1–50%), intermediate (50.1–75%), and advanced (75.1–100%). Results: The overall IPC performance in the national IPC unit moved from intermediate (58%) to advanced (78%), with improvements in all six core components. Four out of six components achieved advanced levels when compared to the 2021 levels. The median score for hospitals moved from basic (50%) to intermediate (59%), with improvements in six of eight components. Three of four gaps identified in 2021 at the national IPC unit and four of seven at hospitals had been addressed by 2023. Conclusions: The study highlights the role of operational research in informing actions that improved IPC performance. There is a need to embed operational research as part of the routine monitoring of IPC programs.

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