Knowledge and performance level of infection control and influencing factors of oriental medical doctors and nurses in Korea

Abstract

Purpose: This study was designed to identify knowledge and performance level of infection control among oriental medical doctors and nurses and further to identify factors that may influence practice. Methods: Data were collected using the survey method. Two hundred and forty two healthcare workers (HCW) from five oriental medicine university hospitals in Korea (140 physicians and 102 nurses) completed a survey about infection control. The study was conducted from February 1 to 28, 2011. Results: The average knowledge level of infection control among HCW was 0.75 ± 0.13 (score range 0~1) and the average performance level of infection control was 3.16 ±1.05 (score range 0~5). 'Disinfection and sterilization' were ranked the highest in both the knowledge and performance level. In the knowledge level, 'hand washing/hand hygiene' were ranked the lowest. 'Bloodstream infection prevention'was the lowest among the infection control categories in performance. Total average knowledge and performance level of nurses was significantly higher than that of the physicians. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the oriental medical doctors and nurses'knowledge and performance level of infection control differed. The education on infection control is required to oriental medical doctors and nurses and it would contribute to preventing healthcare associated infections in oriental medicine hospitals.