Development of the peripheral and central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection prevention knowledge and attitudes scale

Background Because of the necessities of modern medicine, catheters are frequently used for patients today. Mistakes made in catheter implementation frequently cause nosocomial infections. Aims and objectives The purpose of this study was to develop a scale to be used for the evaluation of nurses' knowledge and attitudes about peripheral and central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection prevention. Design and methods This methodological study was conducted between July 2016 and December 2017, with 150 nurses who worked in intensive care units and surgical, internal and paediatric clinics in hospitals located in two different cities in the eastern part of Turkey and who consented to participate in the study. Results Item total correlation values of the scale ranged between 0.515 and 0.703. Correlation coefficient between the two measurements as a result of the test-retest reliability was found to be 0.64, and there was a linear relationship between the measurements. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value was found to be0.875, which indicates the adequacy of the sample. Barlett's test results indicated a correlation between the items (P < .01). Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was found to be 0.86. Conclusions Results showed that the 5-point Likert scale was formed with 14 items and two factors, which included "general precautions" and "catheter care." Scale total score is obtained by collecting all the items. Higher scores indicate higher knowledge and attitudes. This scale could be used for assessing the knowledge and attitudes of nurses about peripheral and central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection prevention precautions. Relevance to clinical practice The Peripheral and Central Venous Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection Prevention Knowledge and Attitudes Scale could be used for infection prevention in the assessment of the knowledge and attitudes of nurses with a view of preventing infections. The scale can be used in intensive care units and surgical, internal and paediatric clinics in order to assess nurses' knowledge and attitudes.