Effectiveness of a training program on health-care professionals' knowledge and practices regarding thermo-sensitive reusable medical devices disinfection: A quasi-experimental study

Introduction: Appropriate knowledge of healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the various aspects of disinfection and reuse of medical devices is a basic requirement to ensure proper disinfection and to minimize the risk of healthcare associated infections. In this regard this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a training intervention on knowledge and practices regarding thermosensitive reusable medical devices (TRMD) disinfection among HCPs. Methods: This was a quasi -experimental study including a pre-test, an intervention (workshops, demonstrations, posters), and a post-test evaluation of the HCPs' knowledge and practices regarding the disinfection of TRMD. It was conducted between February and July 2022 at Hedi Chaker University hospital, Sfax, Southern Tunisia. Results: Overall, 31 participants were females (54.4%). The global Knowledge Score (KS) had significantly risen from pre -to post -training test (61.0 +/- 9 vs 74.0 +/- 12.5; p < 0.001). According to the disinfection type, the KS of non -critical and critical TRMD disinfection had significantly increased between pre and post -intervention (60 (IQR = [40.0-80.0]) vs 80 (IQR = [40.0 -80.0]), p < 0.001) and (66.6 (IQR = [50.0-66.6]) vs 83.3 (IQR = [66.6-100.0]); p < 0.001) respectively. The mean change in global KS of TRMD disinfection was statistically higher among females (17.5 +/- 11.2 vs 8.5 +/- 3.2; p = 0.006) and medical staff (18.9 +/- 11.9 vs 7.1 +/- 3.9; p = 0.019). Conformity scores did not significantly change after the training program (58.1 +/- 22.7 vs 63.7 +/- 19.6; p = 0.678). Conclusion: This study highlighted the effectiveness of the training intervention on HCP knowledge. However, practices were not improved. Conducting ongoing audits with on-the-job training is extremely needed. 2023 Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.