The Effect of Catheter-Related Infection Control Education on Surgical Nurses' Knowledge Levels and Attitudes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Catheters are commonly used in health care. As nurses play an active role in the prevention of catheter-related infections, their knowledge and attitudes on this subject are important. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of an educational intervention about catheter-related infection control precautions on nurses' knowledge levels and attitudes. Method: This study was a single-center randomized controlled trial. The intervention group ( n = 35) received evidence-based face-to-face education. The control group ( n = 35) received routine in-service training. The nurses' knowledge and attitudes were assessed before, immediately after, and 3 months after the education. Results: After the training, the intervention group had statistically higher total scores than the control group on both scales immediately after the training ( p < .001 and p = .008, respectively) and 3 months after the training ( p = .001 and p < .001, respectively). Conclusion: The evidence-based structured educational intervention about catheter-related infection prevention practices positively affected the knowledge and attitudes of surgical nurses. [ J Contin Educ Nurs. 202x;5x(x):xx–xx.]