Effect of Repeated Education on ICU Nurses' Knowledge and Performance in MDRO Infection Control: A Pretest-Posttest Study.

BACKGROUND

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) pose a serious threat to patient safety in intensive care units (ICUs), where invasive procedures and extensive antibiotic use elevate the risk of transmission. Although educational interventions can enhance infection control compliance, their effects often decline over time.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of a repeated education programme on ICU nurses' knowledge and performance related to MDRO infection control.

STUDY DESIGN

A one-group pretest-posttest study.

RESULTS

Forty-three ICU nurses received three monthly 50-min education sessions. Knowledge scores significantly increased from 19.60 (SD = 1.62) at baseline to 21.79 (SD = 1.60) 2 weeks post-intervention and were maintained at 21.42 (SD = 1.40) after 3 months (p < 0.001). Performance scores also improved from 94.65 (SD = 11.69) to 101.49 (SD = 8.29) and remained elevated at 102.63 (SD = 7.26) (p < 0.001). No significant decline was observed between the post-intervention measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeated education significantly improved and sustained ICU nurses' knowledge and performance in MDRO infection control. The spaced and unit-based format supports routine integration and reinforcement of infection control competencies.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Brief, structured and repeated education sessions can be feasibly incorporated into ICU training programmes. This approach may strengthen adherence to MDRO prevention protocols and improve patient safety in high-risk clinical settings.