Evaluation of the effect of isolation precautions training given to intensive care nurses on their knowledge and adherence levels

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of training on isolation precautions provided to nurses working in intensive care units on their knowledge and adherence levels. A quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test control group was used. The study was carried out in a training and research hospital located in the Central Anatolia Region with nurses working in adult intensive care units. A total of 60 nurses participated, with 30 in the control group and 30 in the intervention group. Data were collected using the "Personal Information Form", "Isolation Precautions Knowledge Test" and the "Isolation Precautions Adherence Scale". For the intervention group, pre-test and post-test measurements were applied, and training titled "Infection Control and Isolation Precautions" was administered. The training period lasted for two weeks, and the post-test was conducted two weeks after the training. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22 software. Between-group comparisons were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test, while within-group comparisons used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results showed a statistically significant increase in the knowledge test scores related to isolation precautions in the intervention group (p = 0.001), indicating that the training effectively enhanced the participants' knowledge. Furthermore, a significant increase was also observed in the post-test mean scores of the "Isolation Precautions Adherence Scale" in the intervention group (p = 0.011). In conclusion, the training provided significantly improved the knowledge and compliance levels of intensive care nurses. It is recommended that similar training programs be implemented in various healthcare settings and among different professional groups to ensure wider and more sustainable infection control practices. Key Words: Knowledge, Nurse, Isolation, Isolation Precautions, Adherence, Intensive Care Units.