Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Perceived Challenges for Healthcare Workers on Water-Less ICU Care at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Singapore

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Published on 02/21/2024 | by Waterline Admin

Buvaneswarran S, Chua MCW, Amin Z, Xia W, Low JM. J Hosp Infect. 2024 Jan 25:S0195-6701(24)00027-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.11.025. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38280438.

Highlights

  • Implementation of water-less care, including removal of sinks from patient care areas, is an emerging approach to reduce water-borne infections in high-risk areas such as intensive care units (ICUs).
  • This study was conducted using a customised survey at a single hospital.
  • Participation rate was 88.6% comprising 66.3% nurses, 31.0% doctors and 3.0% allied health professionals.
  • 90.1% had positive attitudes and 53.5% had good knowledge regarding water-less ICU care. 83.1% followed the appropriate practice of hand hygiene when their hands were visibly soiled.
  • The main challenges with water-less ICU care were perceived compromise of personal (46.5%) and patient (22.8% ) hygiene.
  • 43.6% reported an increase in skin-related conditions – 10.9% had to visit a doctor for this reason, of which 64.0% had pre-existing skin conditions.
  • Despite overall good attitudes and practices toward water-less ICU care, HCWs may have specific concerns related to hygiene and skin conditions which need to be addressed.


    • The paper can be sourced here

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