Knowledge and understanding of patients and health care workers about multi-resistant organisms
Nancy Santiano A , Jennifer Caldwell A , Emina Ryan A C , Arene Smuts A and Heather-Marie Schmidt BA Infection Prevention Unit, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia.
B Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Sydney South West Pathology Service, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: emina.ryan@sswahs.nsw.gov.au
Healthcare Infection 19(2) 45-52 https://doi.org/10.1071/HI13027
Submitted: 14 August 2013 Accepted: 16 October 2013 Published: 13 May 2014
Abstract
Background: We have perceived a deficit in both patients’ and health care workers’ (HCWs) knowledge and understanding of multi-resistant organisms (MROs) which may influence care and compliance with infection control precautions. We aimed to explore the knowledge and understanding of patients and HCWs about MROs.
Methods: Between September 2011 and April 2012, a purposive sample of 19 newly identified and existing patients with MROs were recruited. A 15 to 20 min taped interview was conducted and analysed to identify common themes. In addition, 55 HCWs completed a questionnaire to assess knowledge regarding MROs.
Results: Almost half (47%) of the patients reported they ‘know very little’ or ‘do not know anything’ about terms including MRO, MRSA and VRE. Patients reported they were not provided with sufficient explanation regarding colonisation or infection. While seeing single-room accommodation as an advantage, some felt like an ‘alien’ and were ‘lonely’. Precautionary measures used by HCWs were noted by patients but they were unaware of the reasoning behind them. HCWs (76%) explained the terms MRO, MRSA and VRE adequately. Only 36% of them adequately explained colonisation and infection. Only half of the RN and Medical Officer respondents informed patients about their MRO status. Explanation about the type of MRO, its spread, risk factors and preventative measures were the topics HCWs perceived as important to discuss with patients.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that patients’ knowledge of their MRO status is poor. Given the major role in educating patients, our study identified a deficit in HCWs’ knowledge regarding MROs. The information patients and HCWs perceived as important will assist in the development of future educational resources.
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