Ipc Practices And Minimum Required Standards – Guidelines Vs Real Practices

Abstract

This study investigates the compliance of healthcare workers with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices in clinical settings, focusing on hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and environmental sanitation. It compares the adherence to recommended IPC guidelines versus actual practices, and explores the factors influencing compliance, such as knowledge, attitudes, resource availability, and institutional policies. A sample of 150 healthcare workers across various roles and facility types was surveyed and analyzed using statistical methods including ANOVA and t-tests. The results revealed significant discrepancies between recommended guidelines and actual practices, with PPE usage showing the largest gap. Factors such as inadequate resources, time constraints, and lenient policy enforcement were identified as key barriers to compliance. Training interventions were found to significantly improve adherence to IPC practices. The study emphasizes the need for continuous education, resource allocation, and strict enforcement of policies to enhance IPC compliance and reduce healthcare-associated infections.