Recognition, Self and Objective Evaluation of Nosocomial Respiratory Infection Control Practices by ICU Nurses

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was two-fold; to describe the level of recognition of nosocomial respiratory infections by ICU nurses and to compare self evaluation and objective evaluation of nosocomial respiratory infection control practices by ICU nurses. Method: Data were collected from 78 nurses in intensive care units in one university affiliated hospital in Kyung Ki Province. Data were collected from March 4 to March 18, 2002. The recognition and self evaluation data were collected through a self report questionnaire and an objective evaluation which was done by observing the actual behavior of the nurses. Result: The results of this study showed that there was a significant positive relationship between recognition scores and self evaluation scores. However, there was no significant relationship between level of recognition and objective evaluation, nor between self evaluation and objective evaluation of infection control practices by ICU nurses. Conclusion: ICU nurses in this study gave higher scores on self evaluation of their practice than were shown in the observation evaluation of actual practice. Moreover, in the objective evaluation the nurses had the lowest score on the item, "washing hands before taking care of patients´. The results indicate that it is necessary to develop a standardized practice manual on nosocomial respiratory infection control in the ICU. Also, it is necessary to have a program to transfer knowledge into actual practice.