Training needs of a Specialized Nursing Program in the Field of Nursing Care of Patients with Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute

Abstract

          The purpose of this descriptive study were to study the training needs, expectations, applying knowledge and development of Infection Control (IC) among registered nurses. They were participants of a Specialized Nursing Program in the Field of Nursing Care of Patients with Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute, during 2016-2017. Data were collected from 92 training applications, which are open-ended questions and analyzed by frequency, percent, average mean and Standard Deviation.  The study results showed the average age of participants was 40.23 years, work for the government (72%) in community hospitals (44.6%), had the average 18.37 years of nursing experience, 70.7% of operational level and worked in the wards (27.2%). Before attending the training, 82.6% worked for IC, had average 4.97 years of IC experience, and 30.3% were both Infection control in hospital and ward nurses. This study revealed that 1) Training needs, the registered nurses had the most individual’s needs, especially increasing knowledge, experience and skills that can actually work (70.7%). And 23.9% of IC operators have never trained in specialized courses. The organization’s needs, most of them did not have hospital and ward infection control nurses who completed the specialized course according to the Nursing Council / Hospital Accreditation (30.4%).  Including the organization executives give priority/ an corporate policy (17.4%).  2) Course expectations, they will be able to manage and hospital quality improvement in infection control cover of patients, staff, networks and communities (55.4%). Acquired up-to-date knowledge, experience, IC concepts and attitudes increased (51.1%). Understand the process and gain confidence in operations (48.9%). 3) Applying knowledge for IC development in the field of preventing complications (54.3%). Reduce the incidence of infection in patients and staff. Including management, quality of IC system and networks such as sub-district health promoting hospitals and communities (54.3%).

          The training program organizers should have a need assessment during the training session, to adjust contents, increasing knowledge and skills that most consistent with the needs of the trainers and can actually work. Also the nurse’s organizations should make a plan for human resource development by continually training for promoting the nurse’s career path.