Knowledge and compliance with the infection control measures at solid organ transplant unit

Solid organ transplantation particularly in liver and kidney transplants in Egypt is a developing field with significant advancements in recent years. The objective was to assess knowledge, practice and compliance with infection control standards at solid organ transplant unit at Zagazig University hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenient sample of 61 healthcare workers (41 nurses, 20 physicians) and 26 patients who have undergone organ transplantation. Data were collected using an observational checklist for practices, a questionnaire for healthcare worker knowledge, and a data extraction sheet for patient-related infection control measures. Results: There was 100% compliance with handwashing before deep interventions, 79.2% compliance with standard precautions, and 79.2% compliance with handwashing before and after patient contact. There was low compliance with changing gloves between patients (31.3%) and using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (47.9%). There was 100% compliance with donor and recipient measures, including risk assessment, pretransplant testing, and performing tests within 28 days. There was a low compliance rate with post-transplant recipient testing and tracking donor-derived disease transmission events (30.8% for both). Knowledge was satisfactory for 90% of physicians and only 51% of nurses. Nurses demonstrated unsatisfactory overall practice levels, with the poorest practices noted in linen management, aseptic technique, and waste disposal. Conclusions: Adherence to infection control measures at the unit was satisfactory. Physicians had satisfactory knowledge regarding infection control while nurses have some knowledge gaps. Conducting continuous training with advanced programs for nurses working with patients undergoing organ transplantation is recommended