The Impact of Mind Mapping Application on Nurses' Performance regarding Infection Control Precautions at Critical Care Units

Background: Fundamental infection control measures are crucial within the healthcare environment of intensive care units to minimize the incidence of hospital-acquired infections. Mind mapping serves as an active learning technique that enhances learning, boosts natural cognitive abilities, and improves memory retention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of mind mapping application on nurses' performance regarding infection control precautions at critical care units. Subjects and Method: Design: To achieve the study's objective, a quasi-experimental research design was employed. Setting: The research was carried out in the Critical Care Units of Sohag University Hospitals. Subjects: A convenient sample comprising 50 nurses was selected for the study. Three tools were utilized for data collection: Tool (1): A structured interview questionnaire divided into two sections; section (I) detailing nurses' demographic information; section (II) nurses' opinion on the use of mind mapping in training. Tool (2): An assessment of nurses' knowledge regarding mind mapping and infection control measures (pre/post), Tool (3): Observational checklists for evaluating nurses' practices related to infection control (pre/post). Results: The findings indicated a highly statistically significant difference and enhancement between the pretest and post-test results concerning nurses' knowledge and practices related to mind mapping and infection control measures. A highly statistically significant difference was also observed in the overall knowledge and practices regarding mind mapping among the nurses. Conclusion: The current study concluded that the application of mind mapping had a substantial impact on enhancing nurses' knowledge and practices related to infection control measures in critical care units. Recommendations: The study suggested that the mind mapping strategy should be implemented and integrated as an effective educational approach in nurses' training.