Murad Adnan Sawalha
Hashemite University, Jordan
Title: Jordanian paediatric nurses’ views on compliance with Standard Precautions: a qualitative study
Biography
Biography: Murad Adnan Sawalha
Abstract
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 To investigate how the experience of nursing children, affected nurses' decision-making regarding SPGs 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. 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 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 prioritised compliance with the nursing culture in their clinical area, over more general SPGs principles. Nurses did appreciate that compliance with SPGs was suboptimal and criticised this. However, most nurses had a value system, which militated against, and diminished the influence of SPGs compliance. IMPLICATION Unless nurses become empowered to challenge practices and organisational barriers, infection prevention and control is unlikely to improve. Nursing, in this area of the world, needs to professioanlise so nurses take responsibility for their actions.