Do infection prevention and control messages reach the bedside? A national evaluation of communication and training practices

OBJECTIVE: The implementation of the World Health Organization's multimodal strategy is crucial for strengthening infection prevention and control (IPC) programs. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the perceptions of infection prevention and control professionals (IPCPs) and healthcare workers (HCWs) regarding the effectiveness of the multimodal strategy. METHODS: In this study, an online survey was designed that included five MM components: system change, education and training, monitoring and feedback, reminders and communication, and cultural change. The survey was completed by IPCPs and HCWs within the institutions. RESULTS: A total of 102 IPCPs and 166 HCWs from 96 institutions participated in the survey. The mean career duration was 19.8 ± 9.5 years. An Infection Control Committee (ICC) was present in 98% of participants' institutions, and 88% held meetings every three months. Only 10 (10.4%) institutions met the ratio of 1IPC nurse per 150 beds. Effective communication techniques training was provided annually to 55.9% of IPCPs and 59.6% of HCWs.Eighty-one (79.4%) IPCPs reported using effective communication when explaining the five indications of hand hygiene, but only 77 (46.4%) HCWs agreed (P < .001). Ninety-one (89.2%) IPCPs confirmed that effective communication techniques were used in bundle training. But, only 25 (15.0%) HCWs agreed, while 112 (67.5%) HCWs reported being undecided (P < .001). Sixty-one (64.7%) IPCPs and 130 (78.3%) HCWs believed that their institutions effectively motivated HCWs towards IPC measures compliance. However, 44 (43.1%) IPCPs and 29 (17.5%) HCWs were undecided (P = .002). CONCLUSION: The survey reveals significant inconsistencies among IPCPs and HCWs regarding communication effectiveness, and perceptions of compliance with infection-control measures. These findings highlight the need for more inclusive and transparent communication strategies, regular interdisciplinary training, and stronger organizational support to improve IPC practices.