title: Infection prevention and control in home nursing: case study of four organisations in Australia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this case study was to explore the environmental challenges nurses experience with infection control practice, and the strategies they use to overcome those challenges.
  
  
  METHODS
  An exploratory case study was conducted in four home visiting nursing organisations in southeast Queensland, Australia, using data triangulation (document review, individual interviews, and focus groups). Data were analysed using a framework approach to identify themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three major infection prevention and control challenges were experienced in the community context. The first challenge is the nature of the work environment, including: poor cleanliness in clients' home environments, pets or vermin, inadequate hand-washing facilities, and a lack of appropriate storage space for clinical materials. The second challenge occurs when nurses lack access to appropriate infection control equipment, including wound-management materials and sharps containers. The third challenge is dealing with clients' poor personal hygiene and health status. Participants addressed these issues by offering assistance, using clean surfaces at clients' homes, applying an alcohol-based hand rub, providing client education, and reducing the cost of purchasing equipment for clients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is imperative that policy is developed to support nurses' decision making and practices as they address infection control challenges in the community environment. Ensuring staff are well-supported with resources, education, policy, and guidelines to address these challenges is important for the delivery of safe and high-quality care in community settings.
authors: Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
authors: Ohood
authors: O
authors: Felemban
authors: Adjunct Associate Professor, Population and Social Health Research Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Winsome
authors: W
authors: St John
authors: Professor, Population and Social Health Research Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, and Acting Head of School, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Ramon Zenel
authors: RZ
authors: Shaban
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011793:Queensland
keywords: community; home visits; infection control; nursing; prevention