Culture of quality in infection prevention of a hospital as perceived by health care workers

Aim This research aimed to assess the culture of quality in infection prevention (CQIP) of a university hospital as perceived by health care workers (HCWs). Background Health care-associated infections are serious concerns in hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Hence, assessing their CQIP is necessary. Method An investigation employing a descriptive and cross-sectional design was carried out among 623 HCWs (doctors, nurses and nursing assistants) in a university hospital in Saudi Arabia by using the Leading a Culture of Quality in Infection Prevention (LCQ-IP) scale. Results The overall mean in the LCQ-IP was 3.86 (SD = 0.62). The subscale "prioritization of quality" (M = 4.11, SD = 0.79) was rated the highest dimension, whereas "supportive work environment" was perceived as the poorest dimension (M = 3.56, SD = 0.54). Gender, nationality, highest education and job title affected the four factors of the HCWs' perceptions of the hospital's CQIP. Conclusion HCWs modestly perceived their hospital's CQIP. The study highlighted the need for improving CQIP based on the four dimensions. Implications for Nursing and Hospital Management This study provided valuable implications for hospital and nursing management to ensure high-quality culture of infection prevention.