The effects of healthcare workers' teamwork aptitude andrisk management perceptions on their beliefs and attitudestowards nosocomial infections

M.Sc. THESIS THE EFFECTS OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS TEAMWORK APTITUDE AND RISK MANAGEMENT PERCEPTIONS ON THEIR BELIEFS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS Ferhat POLAT Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Institude of Health Science of Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Supervisor: Asst. Prof. Ayşegül TURAN Nosocomial infections remain a significant problem in terms of patient safety and the quality of healthcare. The beliefs, attitudes and behaviours of healthcare workers play a decisive role in the prevention of infections. However, the impact of organisational factors, such as risk management and teamwork, on these attitudes has not been sufficiently clarified. The aim of this study is to determine healthcare workers' beliefs and attitudes towards nosocomial infections and to examine the effect of their perceptions of risk management and teamwork on these attitudes. The study was designed as a quantitative study, and data were collected using the Nosocomial Infection Beliefs and Attitudes Scale, the Risk Management Scale and the Teamwork Scale. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling. It was determined that participants' beliefs and attitudes towards nosocomial infections were generally positive, although differences were observed between the sub-dimensions. High levels of sensitivity were observed in the ventilator-associated events and hand hygiene dimensions, whilst lower levels were noted in the invasive procedures and isolation dimensions. It was found that the perception of risk management was at a medium-to-high level, whilst in teamwork, solidarity was strong but coordination was weak. According to the results of the structural equation model, it was determined that perceptions of risk management (β=0,123; p<0,001) and teamwork (β=0,146; p<0,001) positively influenced beliefs and attitudes regarding nosocomial infections. Although healthcare workers' attitudes towards nosocomial infections are generally positive, there is a need for improvement in the areas of invasive procedures, isolation practices and team coordination. Risk management and teamwork are key factors in strengthening attitudes towards infections. In this regard, it is recommended that institutional policies be strengthened, targeted training be increased, and strategies aimed at improving team coordination be implemented.