Horgan S, Saab MM, Drennan J, Keane D, Hegarty J. Healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes of surgical site infection and surveillance: A narrative systematic review.
Nurse Educ Pract 2023;
69:103637. [PMID:
37062123 DOI:
10.1016/j.nepr.2023.103637]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
AIM
This systematic review reports on healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes of surgical site infection and surgical site infection surveillance as well as interventions aimed at enhancing healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes.
BACKGROUND
Surgical site infection is a serious adverse outcome following surgery. Despite the presence of international guidelines, the prevention of surgical site infections remains a challenge for patients and hospitals. It is critical that healthcare professionals have sufficient knowledge on surgical site infection and on their role in implementing evidence-based prevention strategies.
DESIGN
This review is reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.
METHODS
A search was undertaken in the following databases: Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO and Web of Science for studies published between January 2010 and March 2022. Studies that examined healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes in relation to surgical site infection, surgical site infection surveillance and risk factors for their development were included. We also included studies that examined interventions that aimed to enhance healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitude in relation to surgical site infection, surveillance, and risk factors. We also described the impact of such interventions on the incidence of surgical site infections.
RESULTS
A total of 26 studies were included. Results were synthesised narratively according to the review objectives. Findings from this review show that knowledge of what surgical site infection is and its prevention was poor amongst healthcare professionals, while attitudes were positive particularly in relation to healthcare professionals' role in prevention. Only three studies examined the effects of interventions on healthcare professionals' knowledge of surgical site infection and surgical site infection prevention. Of those, two used multimodal educational interventions and found statistically significant improvement in knowledge.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall knowledge of surgical site infection and its prevention is poor amongst healthcare professionals, while attitudes were positive particularly in relation to healthcare professionals' role in prevention. There is a need for more experimental research to evaluate interventions which aim to address healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes towards surgical site infection prevention and surveillance. Such studies should include all healthcare professionals involved in the care of a surgical patient.
TWEETABLE ABSTRACT
Knowledge and attitudes of surgical site infection prevention amongst healthcare professionals.
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