Fostering an infection safety culture among medical staff in the hemodialysis unit

Abstract

Introduction. Infection safety is a vital component of the healthcare system in all countries. In healthcare facilities, infection control must ensure every patient’s constitutional right to medical care that is safe for their life and health.

The aim of the study – to investigate methods, tools, and pedagogical technologies for fostering an infection safety culture among medical personnel, as well as to conduct an experimental study of the aforementioned issue at the medical center of Fresenius Medical Care Ukraine LLC, which provides outpatient hemodialysis services for patients with stage V chronic kidney disease who require renal replacement therapy.

The main part. This article examines approaches to fostering a culture of infection control among healthcare personnel. The factors contributing to the emergence and spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have been analyzed. The authors focus on the specifics of ensuring infection control at the Fresenius Medical Care Ukraine LLC center. A comparative analysis of the national models in Germany and Ukraine was conducted to identify similarities and differences in the epidemiological surveillance of HAIs. The data presented highlight the importance of preventing infections associated with dialysis access via an arteriovenous fistula, which is the primary and safest type of vascular access; however, failure to adhere to aseptic and antiseptic protocols can lead to local and systemic infections. The results of a survey of the center’s medical personnel are presented. The results were analyzed according to the developed Hand Hygiene Culture Index (HHCI), structured in line with the WHO framework. They demonstrate a statistically significant 13 % increase in the group-wide HHCI, indicating the evolution of the infectious safety level within the department to a generative level. They were analyzed using the Hand Hygiene Culture Index, which was developed in accordance with the WHO framework model. Examples of communication barriers are provided, indicating a fear of conflict or a violation of the professional hierarchy. The components of the specialized training course “Hand Hygiene as a Fundamental Component of Infection Control” are outlined.

Conclusions. Attention was drawn to the challenges involved in fostering a culture of infection control and the need to improve tools for team collaboration. The importance of conducting a comprehensive analysis of the unit’s institutional climate has been demonstrated. The need to change staff behaviour patterns has been identified. An original definition of infection control has been developed.