Effect of infection control education program on childcare educator knowledge and confidence

Abstract

AbstractIssue AddressedChildcare educator knowledge gaps in infection control practices and outbreak management. This can contribute to the well‐reported issue of transmission of infectious diseases in childcare centres and the associated health and economic costs.MethodsA health promotion program in the form of an educational slideshow presentation with interactive question/answer component was developed and offered to all childcare centre staff in the Wide Bay region, Queensland.ResultsChildcare educators who participated in the education sessions reported a significant increase in their knowledge and confidence in outbreak management on pre‐ and post‐intervention self‐assessment.ConclusionsSimple educational programs can significantly improve the self‐assessed knowledge and confidence of childcare educators in managing infectious diseases.So What?Improving knowledge and confidence of childcare centre staff in managing basic infectious diseases can help reduce the health and economic impacts of these infections. Simple educational health promotion programs could be introduced as part of an orientation program for new staff, or refreshers for existing staff.