Awareness of Infection Control within Cystic Fibrosis Health Care : a Scandinavian study

Sammanfattning: Aim: This study aimedto illuminateawareness of hygiene regimens andinfection control guidelines for cystic fibrosis (CF) care at Scandinavian cystic fibrosis centers (SCFCs)and Norwegian cystic fibrosis satellite teams (NCFSTs).Method: We modified a knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) surveyused earlier for CF and infection control care teams in the United States. Our modified questionnaire sought responses regarding sputum cultures, hand hygiene, education and infection control measures in hospital/at home. We distributed individual questionnaires to 8SCFCs and 10 NCFSTs. Awareness exceeding 75% per item was considered sufficient for clinical practice. Results: Respondents represented different disciplines atSCFCs with 61 (37%) and 30 (58%) at NCFSTs core team professionals (mainly doctors, nurses and physiotherapists).SCFC respondents demonstrated higher KAP (range 49-100%) than NCFST (range 23-100%). Both groups showed a high awareness of outcome expectancy for selected guideline components (80-100%), but only moderate awareness regarding familiarity. Additionally, both SCFC and NCFST respondents demonstrated greater awareness of items connected closely to practical care and medical treatment(73% and 80% versus 93% and 74% respectively). As opposed, SCFC and NCFST respondentsshowed lower awareness of guideline content(49% and 23% respectively).Conclusion: Becauseinfection control is a cornerstone in CF care, reducing the risk of cross infection among CF patients in health-and non-health caresettings requireshealth care professionals to maintain increased awareness of CF guidelines. This study revealed generally good knowledge of infection control measures. Importantly, bestcarerequires continious collaboration and educationfor health care professionals and patients regardingthe written guidelines for CF infection control.