title: Nurses' knowledge and practice of vascular access infection control in haemodialysis patients in the Republic of Ireland.
abstract: Vascular access hygiene is an integral component of haemodialysis care. Ensuring nurses possess sufficient knowledge and utilise recommended guidelines on infection control is essential for safe practice and patient safety. The study aimed to investigate nurses' knowledge and practice of vascular access infection control among adult haemodialysis patients in the Republic of Ireland. A confidential self-completion questionnaire was sent to all 190 qualified nurses employed in nine haemodialysis units in the Republic of Ireland, which assessed knowledge and behaviour in infection control. Although 92% of respondents reported that policies had been developed by their units and 47% had received infection control education in the previous year, knowledge and adherence to best practice demonstrated significant scope for improvement. The study recommended the development of standard guidelines and regular reviews and updates of policies. Systems should also be developed to ensure a high level of compliance.
authors.affiliation: Haemodialysis Unit, Health Service Executive West, Merlin Park Hospital, Galway, Republic of Ireland. Barbara@vow.ie
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Higgins
authors.forename: David S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Evans
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019985:Benchmarking; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004203:Disinfection; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007494:Ireland; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011481:Protective Clothing; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000451:nursing*; D017751:Safety Management; D017592:Skin Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires