STRENGTHENING THE FOUNDATION - ESCALATES THE COMPLIANCE: ON PATH OF CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT -AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, CENTRAL INDIA

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are more likely to occur in healthcare settings, driven by factors involving host, pathogen and environmental elements, including healthcare personnel. Infection prevention and control (IPC) practices are crucial to mitigate pathogen transmission, with hand hygiene being especially effective. Despite knowledge of guidelines, adherence remains inconsistent, necessitating structured IPC education

Aim: To evaluate the impact of a structured, multifaceted educational intervention on the knowledge and compliance of healthcare workers regarding IPC practices at a tertiary care centre.

Methodology:A tertiary care facility in central India served as the site of this observational study for over eight months (Feb–Sept 2024), involved 394 participants, including nursing staff, interns, postgraduate students and hygiene warriors.The intervention includedinteractive CMEs, hands-on training, educational videos, and participatory activities like role plays and competitions. Pre-and post-intervention assessments measured knowledge improvement, while post-intervention door-to-door evaluations identified practical compliance.

Results:The intervention significantly enhanced participants knowledge, with mean pre-test scores of 7.85 ± 1.47 increasing to 9.25 ± 1.19 post-intervention (p < 0.0001). Improvements were notable in hand hygiene practices, PPE use, and biomedical waste management. Interactive modules and multimedia tools effectively reinforced IPC measures.

Conclusion: The educational intervention significantly improved IPC knowledge and compliance among healthcare workers, highlighting the need for ongoing training. Sustained education in IPC practices is essential to foster a safety culture, reduce HCAI rates, and improve patient outcomes.