Assessing the Hand Washing Practices of Nursing Staff of the Intensive Care Units at Selected Hospitals Based on the Infection Control Policy for Hand Washing of Trinidad and Tobago Health Department.

*The UWI School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: philip.onuoha@sta.uwi.edu

Accepted 15th February, 2016

Abstract

Background: Hand washing has become one of the most recommended methods of infection control in hospitals. Studies indicate that the knowledge, attitude and practices are poor in many countries. There has not been any study of similar in the Trinidad and Tobago. This study is an attempt to document the situation in the twin-Island state. Aim: To document the perceptions of the nurses in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of the selected hospitals in Trinidad with regard to hand washing in accordance with the policies of the Ministry Health, Trinidad and Tobago. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using 3 major hospitals with ICUs. 81% of the nurses in the units voluntarily participated. Result was analyzed in simple percentage frequencies and presented in tables. Result: Overall the nurses show favourable perceptions on aspects of the policy. There are however aspects of the perceptions that indicate that are suspect. Discussion: The result was discussed noting the implications of their perceptions compared to literature.

Keywords: Nurses, Hand washing, infection control, Caribbean.
Read [Full Text - PDF]
How To Cite This Article:

Onuoha*, P.; Zulu*, F., Charles,* N.; Joseph*, S.; Moonilal*, N.; & Persad*, C. Assessing the Hand Washing Practices of Nursing Staff of the Intensive Care Units at Selected Hospitals Based on the Infection Control Policy for Hand Washing of Trinidad and Tobago Health Department. Swift Journal of Nursing and Midwifery 2(1), pp. 007-017.