Implementation Of An Evidence-Based Infection Control Toolkit To Improve Educational Training Gaps In Long Term Care Facilities

Author

Constance Bowie, Prairie View A&M University

Date of Award

5-14-2022

Document Type

Dissertation - Campus Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Degree Discipline

Nursing Practice

Abstract

The COVID pandemic has affected infection control (IC) programs in long-term care facilities (LTCF) throughout the United States (US). The population in LTCF is particularly at risk of fatalities from COVID due to a high staff turnover rate and a lack of training and oversight of IC parameters. This quality improvement project aimed to use educational materials from an IC toolkit to bridge training and compliance gaps in LTCF identified by the Infection Control Assessment Response (ICAR) tool. The goal was to improve the facilities' ICAR scores and IC programs. This project used a quantitative pre-/post-intervention assessment design with a face-to-face educational training session as the intervention. The pre-training ICAR scores of 4 LTCF were reviewed to identify non-compliance issues. Selected staff members were then taught skills of handwashing, donning, and doffing personal protective equipment, environmental cleaning, and other IC procedures by demonstration and return demonstration as detailed in the IC toolkit. A post-intervention ICAR assessment was conducted to determine whether the scores improved. An evaluation form was completed by each participant in the project to evaluate the trainer and toolkit's content. Each facility showed improved post-training ICAR scores. The toolkit content and the training both received positive ratings for accessibility and implementation. Introducing the toolkit in LTCF helped implement IC practices. However, the LTCF show a need for consistent monitoring and training to ensure that IC standards are practiced.

Committee Chair/Advisor

Abida Solomon

Committee Member

Chloe Gaines

Committee Member

Ruby A. Benjamin-Garner

Committee Member

Sharisse Hebert

Publisher

Prairie View A&M University

Rights

© 2021 Prairie View A & M University

Date of Digitization

11/13/2024

Contributing Institution

John B Coleman Library

City of Publication

Prairie View

MIME Type

Application/PDF

Recommended Citation

Bowie, C. (2022). Implementation Of An Evidence-Based Infection Control Toolkit To Improve Educational Training Gaps In Long Term Care Facilities. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pvamu-dissertations/94