The effects of health belief model-based intervention on nurses' sterilizing practices when moistening surgical instruments

Abstract

Objective: We investigated the effects of the Health Belief Model (HBM)-based intervention on nurses' behaviors in terms of keeping surgical instruments moist. Materials and methods: Pre- and post-training surveys about instrument moistening were conducted with the same 356 nurses from a hospital in China. Both of the surveys contained questionnaire concerning general knowledge relating to instrument moistening, perception scale-based questions concerning the same issue, and an inspection form concerning the implementation of moistening procedures. Three months' training was provided for the nurses. Results: After training, the nurses' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors for instrument moistening were improved. Conclusions: The HBM-based intervention can bring about a significant improvement in nurses' compliance with surgical instrument moistening requirements, and corresponding improvements in instrument cleanliness and patient safety.