Professional Experience Placement

This descriptive study by Yeong and Kim (2016) was conducted to identify the knowledge, beliefs, behaviour and affecting factors about hand hygiene among nursing students.  The study was undertaken in two South Korean nursing schools and 208 students participated in the survey. The authors chose to investigate hand hygiene  because it is the single most important measure to prevent transmission of infection. The authors reported that student hand hygiene compliance is less known as they are viewed differently to registered nurses who are the primary carers of patients. They investigated hand hygiene knowledge by survey, seeking information about alcohol gel use; hand hygiene methods; and hand hygiene methods. The findings showed that students received hand hygiene education mainly through lectures, seminars and videos provided during the theoretical component of their learning. The authors reported there were few opportunities for students to learn while undertaking practice at the hospital.  Yeong and Kim (2015) indicated that this low interest in hand hygiene in practice was then mirrored by students. Surprisingly, they found students were no more likely to practice hand hygiene compliance when they were aware they were being observed.

Yeong and Kim (2015) indicated that a positive learning environment was a factor in whether students complied or not with hand hygiene practice.  The factors of positive role models; belonging; peer support; critical thinking abilities; and confidence cited by Walker (2014) in a previous blog show the importance for enabling students engage in the learning environment. When supported they are able to positively contribute to the team and promote patient outcomes rather than jeopardise their care through lack of satisfactory hand hygiene practices. Students in this study over-estimated their compliance rate and these authors also reported that students were more likely to wash their hands after performing patient care, in order to protect themselves rather than their patients. This study also showed that Korean student nurses had low levels of knowledge about the value of alcohol rubs to prevent transmission of infection.

The authors concluded by indicating that knowledge alone is insufficient for inducing people to change their belief in hand hygiene. A change in behaviour was more likely when students were accepted as part of the nursing team.  When behaviour belief was positive hand hygiene compliance was more likely.  Strategies to reinforce confidence in hand hygiene during practice was suggested by Yeong and Kim (2015).  The implications of this study show that simple procedures such as hand hygiene which have potential for widespread ramifications for infection control if students are not afforded a clinical placement that reflects the factors described by Walker (2014). Clinical supervisors are vested with the responsibility for ensuring their students are supported and guided during work integrated learning. It is essential they are provided with opportunities to link theory with practice, and observe correct hand hygiene practice modelled.Student nurses need to understand the importance of their compliance for protecting their patients and themselves.

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