Authors: Hokororo J, Eliakimu E, Ngowi R, German C, Bahegwa R, Msigwa Y, Kazaura K, Simbeye D, Komba A
Introduction: The Ministry of Health of Tanzania has been implementing activities to improve infection prevention and control (IPC) practices since 2004. Activities included development of guidelines and standards, procurement of equipment and supplies, training of health workers, and supportive supervision to enhance compliance to standards. Since 2010, a team of experienced National IPC Assessors has been visiting health facilities in Tanzania Mainland to supervise and assess compliance to Standards. This paper, aimed to determine level of compliance to IPC standards using data from 2010 to 2017.
Methods: National assessors carried out assessments using IPC Standards tools for Hospitals and Health Centers, through observation, simulations, records and documents review, and interviews. Data was entered in Excel Sheet and analyzed to get facility score in percentage as well as average score of all assessed facilities. Secondary data analysis from 2010 to 2017 has been done to determine compliance to the standards.
Results: The baseline IPC standards compliance in all assessed facilities was 32% in 2010, improved to 53% in 2014, and dropped to 34% in 2017.
Discussion: The increase in average scores between 2010 and 2014 was contributed by improved implementation of action plans, coupled with IPC advocacy and follow-ups done by partners and the Ministry. Inadequate trainings in some of the assessed facilities contributed to the decrease in compliance in 2017.
Conclusion: Compliance to IPC standards in health facilities between 2010 and 2017 is below expected level, and differ by levels of health care delivery. Continued training and follow-up are recommended.
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