Health care workers' perceptions about infection prevention and control in Latin America.

Abstract

Background: Limited information exists regarding health care workers' (HCWs) perceptions about infection prevention and control (IPC) in Latin America.

Methods: We conducted an electronic voluntary anonymous survey to assess HCWs' perceptions toward IPC in 30 hospitals in Latin America during August to September 2022. Nurses, physicians, and environmental cleaning (EVC) staff were prioritized for recruitment.

Results: Overall, 1,340 HCWs completed the survey. Of these, 28% were physicians, 49% nurses, 8% EVC staff, and 15% had "other" roles. Self-compliance with hand hygiene and prevention bundles was perceived to be high by 95% and 89% of respondents, respectively; however, ratings were lower when asked about compliance by their peers (reported as high by 81% and 75%, respectively). Regular training on IPC and access to health care-associated infections (HAI) rates were more limited among physicians than other HCWs (eg, 87% of EVC staff and 45% of physicians reported training upon hiring and thereafter, 60% of nurses and 51% of physicians reported regular access to HAI rate reports).

Conclusions: We identified several opportunities to strengthen IPC practices in Latin American hospitals, including improving HCW education and training on IPC and their awareness of HAI rates and compliance with prevention measures.