Development of System for Infection Prevention and Control for COVID-19 in Hemodialysis Unit Wanon Niwat Hospital. The situation of outbreak of COVID-19 in the Hemodialysis unit has a high risk of transmission of infection. Therefore, the development of an infection prevention system is urgent the action.

Abstract

Abstract

             This study as action research have aim to develop a system for prevention and control of COVID-19 infection in the hemodialysis unit of Wanon Niwat Hospital Using the development process of Kemmis and MacTagat. There are 3 phases in the study, namely, the planning phase and the implementation phase and the evaluation period The total study period is 15 months from March 2021 to July 2022. The sample Thirty-eight hemodialysis patients and 12 hemodialysis staff were selected by purposive sampling. Tools used to collect data consisted of a knowledge test. Questionnaires and observation forms for prevention and control of COVID-19 infection. Qualitative data analysis by content analysis to summarize issues. The quantitative data, percentage, mean was used to measure knowledge level and level of practice Comparison of before-and-after data using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and comparing proportion of correct practice before and after using Chi-square and Fisher's exact test.

            The research results showed that the plan was adjusted according to the situation of the COVID-19 outbreak. Organize a screening system for patients and personnel at risk of infection. Schedule your dialysis appointment in advance via telephone and designing a new dialysis system for a group of patients infected with COVID-19 Including environmental management to prevent the spread of infection and support adequate disease prevention equipment.

            When comparing the knowledge and behavior scores of patients before and after developing the system, it was found that the patients had higher scores and have the correct proportion of practice in preventing COVID-19. There were statistically significant differences (p<.01). The knowledge and behavior of staff working in the hemodialysis unit had higher scores with a statistically significant difference (p<.01) and (p<.05).  The correct proportion of practice in preventing COVID-19 disease statistically significant difference (p<.01). Results from the development has improved the efficiency of preventing the spread of infection better can accommodate patients infected with COVID-19 receiving continuous dialysis and there was no incidence of infection in the agency, both with the patient and the service staff.