Viral Hepatitis B&C in Elderly Hemodialysis Unit: Nurses' General Practices

Research Abstract

Background: Nurses are in a unique position and frequently asked to provide care for hemodialysis patients. Nurses as members of the healthcare team lead the rest of the team in practicing prevention strategies to protect the patient from infection. Utilizing the skills and knowledge of nursing practice, nurse can facilitate patient recovery while minimizing complications related to infections. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess hemodialysis nurses' general practices regarding elderly viral hepatitis C and B. Design: A descriptive exploratory design was utilized in the current study. Setting: The study was carried out in two hemodialysis units at Beni-Suef University Hospital and Elwasta General Hospital in Beni-Suef Governorate. Subjects: A convenient sample of 76 hemodialysis nurses, of whom 22 were men and 54 women, and who provided direct patient care, consented to take part in the study. Results: 57.9% of the dialysis nurses have 2-5 years of experience in dialysis unit, 72.4% of the dialysis nurses don’t participate in scientific conferences for dialysis and kidney disease during the last 5 years, 92.1%% and 93.4% of the dialysis nurses place all disposable syringes and needles, scalpel blades, and other sharp items in puncture- resistant containers and wear the special uniform mandatory for all workers of the unit, respectively. While, (67.1% and 71.1%) of them don’t commit to well-groomed uniforms while maintaining personal hygiene and not using external accessories and don’t use the one hand method, respectively. Conclusion: Most of dialysis nurses had incompetent practices regarding general preventive practices related to dialysis unit. There is highly statistically significant relation between dialysis nurses' practice and their education level, nurses' experience, attending training programs for improving nursing skills, participation in scientific conferences, and there knowledge about infection control standards for dialysis patients and their total practices towards viral hepatitis B & C for elderly patients in dialysis units. Recommendations: Increase availability of supplies and equipment, especially which concerned With infection control as personal protective equipment, alcohol rub in a dispenser inside the dialysis rooms and close from the point of care

Research Keywords

Viral Hepatitis B&C, Hemodialysis, Nursing Practices