Compliance and Barriers among Nurses Regarding Surgical Site Infection Prevention Guidelines at Public Tertiary Care Hospitals of Islamabad: Nurses Compliance in Surgical Site Infection Prevention

Rubina Afsar; Rehana Khadim; Samina Yasmeen; Shagufta Parveen; Mehreen Aslam

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v5i11.2335

Authors

Rubina Afsar College of Nursing-Armed Forces Post Graduate Medical Institute, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Rehana Khadim Pakistan Armed Forces Medical Journal, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Samina Yasmeen College of Nursing, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Shagufta Parveen College of Nursing, Armed Forces Post Graduate Medical Institute, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Mehreen Aslam College of Nursing, Armed Forces Post Graduate Medical Institute, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v5i11.2335

Keywords:

Surgical Site Infections, Nurses Compliance, Prevention Guidelines, Barriers, Healthcare-Associated Infections

Abstract

Surgical Site Infections (SSI) are a common healthcare-related issue, occurring within 30 days to a year after surgery or prosthesis implantation. Objective: To assess nurses' compliance and identify barriers related to SSI prevention guidelines. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from February to July 2024 involved 270 participants from four hospitals in Islamabad, using convenience sampling. A validated questionnaire, based on WHO guidelines (2016), was adopted, comprising three sections: demographic information, compliance (before surgery, during surgery, and after surgery), and barriers to compliance. Results: The study revealed that while most participants had over five years of experience, only 43.7% adhered to SSI prevention standards. Significant barriers included insufficient surgical supplies, lack of formal training, limited hospital oversight, and poor communication within healthcare teams. Conclusions: Nurses exhibited limited awareness and adherence to SSI prevention guidelines, with key barriers hindering effective prevention. Addressing these challenges is essential to improving SSI control and patient outcomes

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