Infection control measures at diagnostic imaging departments in governmental hospitals, Gaza-Strip

Introduction: Infection prevention and control (IPC) is crucial in safeguarding patient safety and minimizing the risk of healthcare -associated infections. Aim: The study investigated infection prevention and control measures for diagnostic imaging departments at governmental hospitals in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional analytical study. The sample included all radiographers (81) and radiologists (40) working at Al Shifa Medical Complex and European Gaza Hospital (EGH). Data was collected using an interview questionnaire (121) and an observation checklist. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26, and the result was significant (P < 0.05). Results: Only 27.3 % of the participants revealed the availability of training courses for IPC. More than half of the participants received their last training sessions one year ago, and most of them attended five basic in-service training sessions related to IPC. Radiologists' and medical radiographers' knowledge and practice scores regarding IPC measures were 85.3 % and 61.7 %, respectively, and there were statistically significant differences between the participants' practice domain and their years of experience (p -value .014). There is inadequate hand hygiene among radiographers in the radiology department, and only 29 % of the staff washed their hands immediately upon arrival at the unit. The total score of the Hand Hygiene Self -Assessment Framework domains is almost equal at the two hospitals (280/500). The total score of the eight domains of the IPC Assessment Framework is 568.5/800 for Al Shifa Hospital and 516/800 for EGH, which indicates an intermediate IPC level. Conclusion: Efforts are needed to enhance the scope and quality of implementation and to concentrate on creating long-term plans to sustain and promote the existing IPC program activities. Implications for practice: Regular assessments should be conducted to monitor progress, identify gaps, and guide quality improvement efforts. Assessment feedback should be used to develop targeted interventions and continuously enhance IPC measures. (c) 2024 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.