An in-depth study of healthcare workers’ perception and compliance concerning personal protective equipment (PPE) use in critical care settings of a tertiary care hospital in Bahrain has shed light on important trends and areas needing improvement. This research is particularly significant in the post-COVID-19 era, where adherence to infection control protocols remains crucial in combating healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Study Purpose and Methodology
The primary aim of the study was to determine the perception and compliance of healthcare workers (HCWs) working in critical care units at government hospitals in Bahrain regarding PPE use. The study employed a cross-sectional design with a self-administered questionnaire distributed to HCWs. The questionnaire assessed socio-demographic characteristics, previous participation in PPE training, and included 15 items to evaluate perception and compliance levels.
Participant Demographics
Among the 119 participants, the majority were female (73.1%) and aged between 31 and 40 years (48.7%). Non-Bahrainis made up 68.9% of the respondents. Nurses represented most of the sample (73.9%), and more than half had over ten years of professional experience. Almost all respondents (95.8%) had received education on PPE use, with 77.2% having received this training within government hospitals.
Perception Levels
The study found that while nearly half of the respondents (48.7%) had a good perception of PPE use, only a small percentage (5%) had poor perceptions. The highest rated perception items included the effectiveness of PPE in preventing HAIs, the importance of proper sequence in donning and doffing PPE, and the belief in good infection control practices within their departments. However, discomfort while performing procedures wearing PPE was noted as a significant barrier.
Compliance Levels
The compliance of HCWs with PPE use was predominantly moderate (83.2%), with a very small fraction (12.6%) showing good compliance. High compliance was associated with regular education and training on PPE, awareness of feedback for compliance, and awareness of corrective actions for non-compliance. However, workload and stressful conditions were significant barriers to compliance.
Factors Affecting Perception and Compliance
Older age, being non-Bahraini, and higher years of experience were associated with better perception and compliance. Participation in training provided by government hospitals also positively influenced compliance. Conversely, doctors showed significantly lower perception and compliance scores compared to other HCWs such as nurses and physiotherapists. Gender did not significantly influence perception or compliance levels.
Correlation Between Perception and Compliance
The study revealed a significant positive correlation between perception and compliance scores, indicating that higher perception levels were associated with better compliance. This finding underscores the importance of enhancing perception through continued education and training to improve compliance rates among healthcare workers.
Conclusions and Recommendations
A comprehensive study on healthcare workers’ perceptions and compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) in critical care settings of a major hospital in Bahrain has revealed significant patterns and areas in need of improvement. This research holds particular importance in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, where strict adherence to infection control protocols continues to be key in battling healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The study emphasizes that despite the lessons learned during the pandemic, there are ongoing challenges in ensuring that healthcare workers consistently use PPE as required. It identified various factors that influence compliance, including the availability of PPE, proper training, and institutional support. Addressing these issues is essential to enhance the safety of both healthcare workers and patients. The findings suggest that hospitals must invest in continuous education and training programs, ensure a sufficient supply of PPE, and create a culture of safety to maintain high compliance levels. By focusing on these areas, healthcare facilities can better protect their staff and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
