Barriers to implementing standard precautions amongst healthcare workers at Milton Park medical center

Author

Machimbirike, Molline

Title

Barriers to implementing standard precautions amongst healthcare workers at Milton Park medical center

Abstract

This study investigates the barriers to implementing standard precautions among healthcare workers at Milton Park Medical Centre, a private healthcare facility in Harare, Zimbabwe. Despite established infection prevention and control (IPC) policies, compliance remains inconsistent due to institutional and individual challenges. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design and stratified random sampling, data were collected from 36 healthcare workers via structured questionnaires. Findings reveal that institutional barriers such as insufficient PPE, inadequate training, and weak policy enforcement, alongside individual factors like time constraints, perceived low infection risk, and over reliance on personal experience, hinder adherence to IPC protocols. The study is grounded in the Health Belief Model, highlighting how perceived barriers and cues to action influence behavior. Results indicate that while IPC policies exist, their effectiveness is undermined by inconsistent enforcement and limited behavioral reinforcement. The study recommends regular IPC training, stronger managerial oversight, improved resource provision, and behavior change interventions to enhance compliance, ultimately contributing to safer healthcare delivery in private settings.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Infection prevention and control (IPC)

healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)

private healthcare

Health Belief Model

Supervisor

Ms. A Manwere