ABSTRACT
Introduction: Rise of major Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) can be mitigated by inculcating good infection control practices which can only be possible by proper and timely educational training of healthcare workers. Aim: To reinforce infection prevention and control knowledge and practices of nursing staff through proper training program- To conduct the training in multiple sessions, to assess the immediate outcome of training program by conducting Pre and Post test (in written format only) Materials and Methods: This study was done in a tertiary care hospital in Davangere, Karnataka over a period of 2 years. Healthcare workers including 144 nurses and 12 doctors underwent training in four sessions where knowledge on how to identify, audit and conduct surveillance of major healthcare associated infections, management of needlestick injuries were imparted through interactive lectures and video demonstrations followed by hands on hand hygiene, proper use and disposal of personal protective equipments. Pre and Post test were given to know their basal knowledge and effect of our training intervention. Data was collected, analyzed and tabulated. Results: Out of four sessions covering a total of 144 nurses, 84 were trained before the onset of COVID-19 and remaining 60 were trained in the latter half of 2021, when the lockdown was relaxed in our region. The mean total Knowledge score in pre test and post test was 5.93 � 1.336 and 7.95 � 1.040. The mean difference was -2.021 and it was statistically significant by paired test. (p - 0.001). The mean total practice pretest and post test score was 3.57 � 1.48 and 4.56 � 1.114. Paired t test showed significant mean difference between the pretest and post test score. (p - 0.001). Conclusion: Our training intervention was effective in increasing their awareness on proper infection prevention and control practices. Repeated training and retraining of healthcare care workers have to be carried out to prevent and control healthcare associated infections.