Nursing auxiliaries and technicians and hospital infection control in surgical centers: myths and truths

Abstract

This analytical and descriptive study is aimed at detecting concepts that translate myths and truths on hospital infection among nursing auxiliaries and technicians at the surgical centers of three hospitals. The data collection instrument consisted of 28 affirmative statements (15 true and 13 false) encompassing factors related to the patient, the surgical team, the environment, and procedures. The statements contain a three-point scale (I agree, I am in doubt, I disagree). We received 72% of adequate answers and 28% of non-adequate, which indicates that perioperative nursing professionals have satis-factory knowledge of hospital infection control. In the items use of safety footwear, rings and other objects, hair as a pathogen, hand scrubbing, use of humid gown and surgical area, infected surgery and cleaning routine, occupational diseases, hospital infection, surgical site infection and surgery time we were able to detect myths and rituals about infection control, which are mainly related to the culture of those who practice them, thus perpetuating resistance to change.