Compliance and Barriers among Nurses Regarding Surgical Site Infection Prevention Guidelines at Public Tertiary Care Hospitals of Islamabad

Abstract

Surgical Site Infections (SSI) are a common healthcare-related issue, occurring within 30 days to a year after surgery or prosthesis implantation. Objective: To assess nurses' compliance and identify barriers related to SSI prevention guidelines. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from February to July 2024 involved 270 participants from four hospitals in Islamabad, using convenience sampling. A validated questionnaire, based on WHO guidelines (2016), was adopted, comprising three sections: demographic information, compliance (before surgery, during surgery, and after surgery), and barriers to compliance. Results: The study revealed that while most participants had over five years of experience, only 43.7% adhered to SSI prevention standards. Significant barriers included insufficient surgical supplies, lack of formal training, limited hospital oversight, and poor communication within healthcare teams. Conclusions: Nurses exhibited limited awareness and adherence to SSI prevention guidelines, with key barriers hindering effective prevention. Addressing these challenges is essential to improving SSI control and patient outcomes