Journal article
Self-reported behaviors and perceptions of Australian paramedics in relation to hand hygiene and gloving practices in paramedic-led health care
American Journal of Infection Control, Vol.45(7), pp.771-778
2017
Abstract
Background: Noncompliance with recommended hand hygiene and gloving practices by workers in the emergency medical services may contribute to the transmission of health care-associated infections and lead to poor patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the self-reported behaviors and perceptions of Australian paramedics in relation to their hand hygiene and gloving practices in paramedicled health care. Methods: A national online survey (n = 417; 17% response rate) and 2 semistructured focus groups (6 per group) were conducted with members of Paramedics Australasia. Results: Although most of the study participants perceived hand hygiene and gloving to be important, the findings suggest poor compliance with both practices, particularly during emergency cases. All participants reported wearing gloves throughout a clinical case, changing them either at the completion of patient care or when visibly soiled or broken. Hand hygiene was missed at defined moments during patient care, possibly from the misuse of gloves. Conclusions: Paramedic hand hygiene and gloving practices require substantial improvement to lower potential transmission of pathogens and improve patient safety and clinical care. Further research is recommended to explore how to alleviate the barriers to performing in-field hand hygiene and the misuse of gloves during paramedic-led health care. © 2017 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier
Details
- Title
- Self-reported behaviors and perceptions of Australian paramedics in relation to hand hygiene and gloving practices in paramedic-led health care
- Authors
- Nigel Barr (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringMark A Holmes (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringAnne H Roiko (Author) - Griffith UniversityPeter K Dunn (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringBill Lord (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- American Journal of Infection Control, Vol.45(7), pp.771-778
- Publisher
- Mosby, Inc.
- Date published
- 2017
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.02.020
- ISSN
- 0196-6553
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Biomedicine; School of Health; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Paramedicine; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450933802621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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