Impact of training on knowledge and practices of nurses regarding hospital infection control NJIRM 2011; Vol. 2(4). October-December eISSN: 0975-9840 pISSN: 2230 - 9969 39 Impact Of Training On Knowledge And Practices Of Nurses Regarding Hospital Infection Control In A Tertiary Care Centre R.Jyoti Chandak*, Poonam S.Loomba**,B.Mishra***,V.Dogra**** *Department Of Microbiology,G.I.P.M.E.R,New Delhi-31 Abstract: Background and objective: Nurses provide the first-hand bedside care to the patients in a hospital thus have a direct role in hospital infection control. Thus to improve hygiene behaviour of staff, training sessions on hospital infection control is necessary. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of training on knowledge and practices regarding hospital infection control amongst nursing staff working in tertiary care centre. Method: The study included 89 nurses from different wards and I.C.U. A pre-test and a post-test was conducted with a set of 20 self designed multiple choice questions in three days session of training covering important aspects of hospital infection control. Improvement in pre-test and post test for individual candidate was assessed and statistical data analysis was done. Results: Response rate of the questionnare was 100%.The mean pre-test score was 9(S.D 3.06) while mean post-test score was 14(S.D 6.34). The difference in pre-test and post-test was statistically significant(P< 0.00001) taking 95% confidence interval. Interpretation and conclusion: Training sessions and workshops for healthcare workers conducted regularly will help curbing nosocomial infections and providing a better patient care. [Jyoti C NJIRM 2016; 7(4):39-43] Key Words: hospital infection, nurses, training, knowledge and practices Author for correspondence: Dr. Rup Jyoti Chandak,Department of Microbiology,GIPMER,New Delhi-110032,e- mail:rupjyotichandak@yahoo.com Introduction: The CDC healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevalence survey found that on any given day, about 1 in 25 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection 1 .The issue of healthcare-associated infections has always been one of the most important public health problems in many countries throughout the world, contributing to morbidity, mortality and additional cost 2 . Consistent and strict adherence to standard precautions guidelines by the healthcare workers(HCW) plays a major role in controlling such infections. However, compliance rate with the use of such measures by the HCW has been seen to be non-satisfactory. Among the HCW, it is the professional nurse who provides first-hand bedside care and her actions has a direct role in positive patient outcome which can be imparted by control and prevention of infection. To improve hygiene behaviour of nursing staff training sessions and increasing the educational facilities for recognition and control of infection has been recommended 3 . Different studies have been conducted in different regions of the world showing either poor knowledge in infection control practices or lack of implementation of such knowledge into day- to-day practices, which can be improved by continual education and regular training 3-7 . Therefore, the present study was conducted to to assess the impact of training on knowledge and practices regarding hospital infection control amongst nursing staff working in tertiary care centre. Methods: The study was conducted in the department of Microbiology,Gobind Ballabh Pant Institute of Post Graduation and Medical Research(G.I.P.M.E.R),New Delhi. 89 nurses from different wards and I.C.U were included in the study. Consent was taken from the participants and the study was approved by institutional review board. Demographic profile of the participants was taken: gender,education, years of experience, area of clinical posting. A Three day training course was conducted which included lectures on important topics of hospital infection control,such as concept of standard precautions, practical application of this knowledge ,needle stick injuries, sterilization and disinfection in wards and Operation Theatre(OT), concept of Central line associated blood stream infection(CLABSI), Catheter associated urinary tract infection(CAUTI). A pre-test was conducted on the first day of the session consisting of a set of 20 self designed multiple choice questions with four responses for each item , to be answered individually within 15 minutes. Every item had only single correct answer. Questions covered important broad categories of infection control,namely, standard precautions, hand hygiene, safe injection practices, sterilization and disinfection, spill management and PEP, OT sterilization and microbiological sample collection and transport. A post-test was then conducted on the last day of the session using the same performa. The total score was calculated by adding all correct answers and ranged