Assessment of safety measures in hemodialysis units in Qalyubia Governorate

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the infection-control measures that are considered one of the most important factors that threaten the safety of the patients and all workers in hemodialysis units. Background Patients undergoing hemodialysis are at risk for multiple infections, and preventing these infections in this high-risk population is a national priority. Patients and methods Nineteen hemodialysis units in Qalyubia Governorate were included in a descriptive study. A questionnaire was developed to assess infection-control measures in units. Results Most of the units studied were clean in general. Most dialysis units had enough basins, soap, and disinfectants to wash hands and an alternative disinfectant, but only 10.5% of the units studied showed commitment to wash hands or use an alternative disinfectant. Nonsterile gloves were available in 94.7% of the studied units, sterile gloves were available in 47.4% of units, and plastic gowns were available in 52.6% of the units, but none (0%) of the studied units showed full commitment to personal protection. All the units studied were keeping disinfectants and disinfection after repackaged bottles, skin disinfectant was available in 94.7% of the units, and sterile cotton enough for one patient was available in 78.9% of the studied units; 68.4% of the studied units showed that the be disposed of cotton unused after each patient, intravenous compressors reusable in 52.6% of the units, 52.6% of the studied units had no commitment to nontouch method. All employees had been vaccinated against hepatitis B virus in only 57.9% of the studied units. Finally, all units were ideal in terms of isolation of hepatitis C and B patients in separate halls, dealing with furniture and sheets, and data recording. Conclusion Hemodialysis units were ideal in terms of data recording, isolation, and dealing with furniture and sheets, but there was a clear error in hand hygiene, personal protection, methods to prevent pollution, environmental cleansing, dealing with waste products, and vaccination.