Nursing care for patients carrying multi-drug resistant organisms: Experiences, intention to use protective equipment and ability to comply with measures

AIMS: The aims of the study were to explore the impact of caring for patients carrying multi-drug resistant organisms on nursing staff and identify factors predicting their intention to use personal protective equipment and their ability to comply with advised infection prevention and control measures.

BACKGROUND: Carriage of multi-drug resistant organisms and corresponding infection prevention and control measures have a major impact on patients. Limited research has been done to investigate the impact of caring for these patients on nursing staff.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional design.

METHODS: Online survey among Dutch nursing staff in various healthcare settings. Prediction analyses were conducted using random forest. The STROBE checklist was used preparing the manuscript.

RESULTS: 974 respondents were included. The majority of nursing staff reported to have experience in caring for patients carrying multi-drug resistant organisms. Relevant dilemmas in daily practice were identified. Important predictors of the intention to use protective equipment were practicing hand hygiene, usable protocols, favourable attitudes and perceptions, as well as knowledge. Important predictors of the ability to comply with advised measures were usable and findable protocols, a suitable work environment and practicing hand hygiene.

CONCLUSION: We have gained comprehensive insight into experiences, attitudes, perceptions, knowledge and dilemmas in daily practice of nursing staff caring for patients carrying multi-drug resistant organisms. To enhance their intention to use protective equipment and their ability to comply with advised measures, activities should focus on improving hand hygiene and the usability of protocols. Additionally, efforts are needed to improve knowledge, provide better resources and a more supportive work environment. All of which need to be specifically tailored to each healthcare setting.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The results can be used in the development of interventions to improve nursing care while reducing the unfavourable impact on nursing staff and supporting adherence to advised measures.