Carrucan, Janine, Smyth, Wendy, Abernethy, Gail, Mason, Matthew, Sparke, Vanessa, Hayes, Megan, and Shields, Linda (2014) Patients' perceptions of hospital-acquired infections in two facilities in North Queensland, Australia: a pilot study. Annals of the Australasian College of Tropical Medicine, 15 (3). pp. 55-56.

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Abstract

Background/Aims: Although it is known that there are significant consequences to patients and health services of hospital-acquired infections, there is a lack of Australian studies about patients' knowledge of them. The aim of this study is to undertake a pilot study in two healthcare facilities in North Queensland about patients' knowledge and perceptions about hospital-acquired infections.

Methods: We used a questionnaire previously used in the United Kingdom, adapted with permission, in a tertiary-level North Queensland hospital and a smaller, remote facility in Far North Queensland. A convenience sample of surgical inpatients in each facility was invited to complete the questionnaire.

Results: Forty-two of the 51 respondents (29 men, 22 women) were from the large hospital. The majority (n=42) were aware of the risk of hospital-acquired infections before their surgery and had adequate information (n=36) and understanding (n=41). Sources of their information were diverse, with doctors, the hospital and television most frequently being nominated, although many indicated that the media did not accurately portray hospital-acquired infections. Knowledge of specific bacteria was quite poor. Staff and visitors using alcoholic hand-rub and involving patients more in their own care were the most frequently offered options for preventing hospital-acquired infections.

Conclusion: We plan to administer the questionnaire to a larger number of patients across more Australian facilities. Responses will inform interventions to further improve the knowledge and understanding of hospital-acquired infections of future patients.

Item ID:	35902
Item Type:	Article (Abstract)
ISSN:	1448-4706
Related URLs:	Publisher
Date Deposited:	30 Oct 2014 03:44
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111799 Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9299 Other Health > 929999 Health not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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