Cardiovascular Pharmacology: Open Access

Jordanian paediatric nurses’ views on compliance with standard precautions: a qualitative study

Joint Event on Heart Failure, Pediatric Cardiology & Nursing Education

February 18-19, 2019 | Amsterdam, Netherlands

Murad A Sawalha

Faculty of Nursing, Hashemite University, Zarqaa, Jordan

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Cardiovasc Pharm Open Access

Abstract:

Introduction: Compliance with standard precautions guidelines (SPGs) is effective in preventing the transmission of healthcare associated infections (HCAI), paediatric nurses do not always compliant. Most studies into this problem used quantitative methods, but have failed to explain noncompliant behaviour or address the issues that are specific to paediatric clinical areas.

Aim: The aim of the present study is to investigate how the experience of nursing children, affected nurses' decision-making regarding SPG compliance.

Methods: Qualitative study with an adapted form of constructivist grounded theory. It was conducted in five Jordanian Hospitals with a sample of 31 qualified paediatric nurses. A constant comparative analysis was used.

Results: This study identified causes of enduring failure by nurses to comply fully with SPGs. Four themes emerged (children are different; nurses are human first; limited professional status; the challenges of the working environment). Paediatric nurses claim to be willing to comply with SPGs, but sometimes fail to achieve this. Risk of exposure to microorganisms was perceived as a major factor in compliance. Paediatric nursing practice was seen as different to adult practice and nurses construed the need for SPGs differently.

Discussion: Paediatric nurses were reluctant to be proactive and initiate change to improve practice. Problems with SPGs were understood but not acted on. Nurse’s prioritized compliance with the nursing culture in their clinical area, over more general SPG principles. Nurses did appreciate that compliance with SPGs was suboptimal and criticized this. However, most nurses had a value system, which militated against, and diminished the influence of SPG compliance.

Implication: The chief implication is that unless nurses become empowered to challenge practices and organizational barriers, infection prevention and control is unlikely to improve. Nursing, in this area of the world, needs to professionalize, so nurses take responsibility for their actions.