An Educational Strategy for the Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections

Introduction: Epidemiological surveillance of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) refers to the continuous observation and analysis of the occurrence and distribution of HAIs, as well as their associated factors. Its epidemiological importance stems from its internationally estimated frequency of 5% and 4.7 cases per 100 hospital discharges in Mexico, although these figures vary widely depending on the geographical context and criteria used to estimate their frequency. Objective: The objective of this study was the assessment of an educational intervention aimed at strengthening a hospital-based epidemiological surveillance model for HAIs prevention. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was implemented, using a playful, theoretical-practical workshop to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention designed to train nursing staff; The tools used were: Banner with the correct handwashing technique, Banner with the 5 moments of opportunity for handwashing and a puzzle with the 5 moments of opportunity for handwashing, Installed intravenous lines banner, wheel with the 7 criteria for prevention of Intravenous line installed, intravenous practice arm mannequin, phlebotomy and venipuncture, and Banner with prevention criteria of installed urinary catheter memory game with prevention criteria of installed urinary catheter. The educational process ran from March 4 to April 30, 2024. Results: The observed data showed a favorable impact on the satisfactory performance of each of the indicators in the following assessment techniques: Right handwashing technique, the 5 moments of opportunity for handwashing, prevention criteria of installed intravenous lines and prevention criteria of installed urinary catheter; the results were statistically significant in each of the assessment techniques. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study were very satisfactory. Improved performance of the evaluated prevention procedures was observed when comparing the results obtained before and after training. The values are statistically significant.