What is the current state of patient and family education on infection control? A descriptive study during COVID-19

Introduction: With the rise of multidrug-resistant healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and the recent emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), patient and family member engagement in infection control (IC) has gained increased attention. This study aimed to assess the level of education provided to patients and family members on IC measures in Hungary.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 412 patients and family members from seven hospitals in Hungary during the COVID-19 pandemic. A previously developed questionnaire, based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for isolation precautions, specifically the section on patient and family education, was used to assess education on several IC measures.

Results: Of the 412 participants, 89.6% were patients, 59.2% were female, and 18.7% were experiencing their first hospital admission. The highest percentages of education were on respiratory hygiene (89.8%), HAIs (82.5%), and hand hygiene (82%). Regression analysis showed that counties were significant predictors of education on nearly all IC measures.

Conclusions: This study reveals a high percentage of education on IC measures among patients and family members education in Hungary, in comparison to the existing literature. To sustain this high level of education, it is recommended that Hungarian health authorities incorporate IC patient and family education into the government regulations governing IC practices in hospitals. Additionally, hospitals should foster a more participatory environment for patients and family members in IC.