Assessment of nursing knowledge and practice toward infection control study and hygiene standards in hospitals

Abstract

Studies on nursing knowledge and practice toward infection control and hygiene show that while nurses often have good theoretical knowledge, their practical application can be poor, with common gaps in areas like handwashing and using personal protective equipment (PPE). Factors influencing practice include inadequate supplies, lack of supervision, heavy workloads, and insufficient training, though experience and age can also be factors. Effective infection control requires continuous education, proper equipment, and strong management support to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice. This article covers all key domains of infection prevention from hand hygiene, asepsis, and sterilization to surveillance, waste management, outbreak control, and legal aspects through a nursing lens. It also incorporates audit formats, checklists, and hospital protocols currently used in government and accredited institutions across India, ensuring real-world applicability. This article emphasizes the nurse’s central role in infection control: as caregiver, educator, supervisor, and change agent. It reflects the resilience, dedication, and innovation shown by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has redefined the standards of infection prevention globally. In this article examples have been included to enhance understanding, and annexures provide ready-to-use hospital formats for practical training.