A peer-to-peer infection prevention and control programme in neglected settings: The case of home care and nursing homes in North Italy

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are an increasing concern and educational programmes may increase healthcare professionals’ adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines. However, despite evidence regarding the effectiveness of peer-to-peer educational programmes, to our knowledge, no studies have been conducted in non-hospital settings. A post-intervention pilot study based on peer-to-peer meetings on HAI topics in home care and nursing homes was conducted. A survey was administered to eligible nurses willing to participate, collecting socio-demographic data, the perceived effectiveness and quality of the programme, and the topics for future meetings. Twelve ‘Pills of Prevention’ seminars were held, enrolling 115 nurses and nursing aides. Of the 115 participants, 81 (70.4%) were eligible and 31 (38.2%) completed the survey. Participants found tangible changes in the clinical settings mostly at the individual level, with bundles/checklists delivered during the meetings mostly being used in everyday practice. Regarding the perceived quality, the overall satisfaction with the programme was high due to the opportunity to ‘freely share own opinions’ and the ‘appropriateness of selected topics’. ‘Bundles/checklists’ were seen as the most interesting topics to prioritize in the future among home care nurses, while HAIs in COVID-19 patients were the least. A community-based peer-to-peer programme, still neglected in terms of HAIs’ continuing education strategies, is appreciated and may produce benefits both at the individual and the group level.