NURSES’ PERFORMANCE AS REGARDING INFECTION CONTROL PROCEDURES AND ENDOSCOPIES REPROCESSING TECHNIQUES IN GIT ENDOSCOPY UNIT

Introduction: Endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure in which a flexible fiber optic tube passed into the esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine depending on the level at which lesions are anticipated. Because flexible endoscopes enter body cavities, they may acquire high levels of microbial contamination. Organic material (eg, blood, feces, and respiratory secretions) that collects in the channels and parts of the endoscope can be difficult to be removed. Aim of work: To assess nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding infection control procedures during GIT endoscopies, to assess nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding universal precautions during reprocessing techniques of GIT endoscopies, to evaluate the effect of training program on nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding infection control procedures and endoscopies reprocessing procedures. Materials and methods: An experimental study (pre-post test) was conducted in GIT endoscopy unit in General Surgery department, Zagazig University Hospitals. All endoscopy nursing staff (38 nurses) who is dealing with endoscopies reprocessing were included in the study. First tool was questionnaire sheet, to assess nurses’ knowledge. The second tool was observational checklist to assess nurses’ practice. The study was carried out on 3 stages: I- pre-intervention stage, II- Intervention stage (by implementation of the educational program), III- Post-intervention stage. Results: The study sample of nurses consisted of 38 female nurses with mean age 36.8 ± 6.1 years. There was an improvement in total level of nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding infection control with highly statistically significant difference before and after implementation of the educational program as regarding infection control, precautions post endoscopy procedures (endoscopy reprocessing). Conclusion: The study concludes that relatively short-term in-service training can significantly improve nurses’ knowledge and practice concerning infection control procedures and endoscopies reprocessing techniques in GIT endoscopy unit. It is a must to keep reinforcing the knowledge and practice regarding infection control.