1Department of Long-term Care Benefits, National Health Insurance Corporation 2Department of Nursing, Sangji University
Abstract
Purpose: This study was done to identify the intensive care unit nurses' knowledge of and compliance with the standard precautions (universal precaution) as stated in infection control guidelines. Method: From September 14 to September 28, 2006, data were collected via a questionnaire survey from 189 Intensive Care Unit nurses working at three university branch hospitals and one general hospital in Gyeonggi province. Results: The mean knowledge score was 18.8/20.0 (93.9%). The mean compliance score was 3.4/4.0 (85.8%). Two factors influencing compliance were perception of the standard precautions and experience of needle stick injuries over the past year (p<.05). Two factors influencing knowledge were support of co-workers in the use of protective devices and the availability of hand-washing device or waterless alcohol gel (p<.05). Conclusion: In order to improve knowledge and compliance with standard precautions, all factors of importance for knowledge and compliance must be taken into consideration in the clinical work place and in education.