Evaluation of a Training Course in Infection Control for Nurses
Wilawan Picheansatian MPH*, Wanchai Mungtui PhD*, Poonsap Soparatana MSc*, Jittaporn Chittreecheur MSc*, Anucha Apisarnthanarak MD**, Somwang Danchaivijitr MD***
Affiliation : *Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, **Department of Medicine, Thammasart University, Pathum Thani, ***Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Objective : To evaluate the effectiveness of a training course in infection control for nurses.
Materials and Methods : A quasi-experimental study was performed from November 1, 2001 to December 31,
2002. The study was divided into three phases; 1) pre-intervention (November 1-30, 2001) to survey baseline
data among participants, 2) intervention (January 1-31, 2002) to establish, develop and conduct the training
course, 3) post-intervention (February 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002) to evaluate the effectiveness of the
training program, and conduct a workshop for infection control project presentations. The research instru-
ments consisted of questionaires and a focus group discussion guide.
Results : Forty-six nurses who had experience of working as infection control nurses (ICN) for more than one
year and 46 hospital administrators were enrolled in the pre-interventional phase. Major problems identified
among ICNs were inadequate knowledge, multiple simultaneous job descriptions, overwork and lack of
collaboration from colleagues. After intervention, significant improvement was observed on their knowledge
and confidence among ICNs (rating scale, 4.09 vs. 3.43; p<0.001). All administrators agreed that the
training course was beneficial to ICNs and believed that the problems in practices of IC would be solved. More
satisfaction of ICNs among hospital administrators was also observed (97.7% vs. 28.3%; p<0.001).
Conclusion : The present study suggested that the training course to provide practical knowledge for ICNs be
effective and should be conducted periodically to keep up with the advance in medical technology. An ICN
network with other academic institutions should be established.
Keywords : Infection control, Training course, Nurses, Evaluation, Effectiveness, Thailand
