Conduct further training and counseling

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 70 views

The Level of Knowledge and Radiographer's Behavior Regarding Infection Control During the Covid-19 Pandemic at the Radiological Installation in Medan City

Introduction

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on various sectors, including health services. In this context, radiography has a very important role in the diagnosis of patients with suspected status or COVID-19 confirmation. Radiographers, as medical personnel responsible for making radiological images, face a high risk of exposure to the virus. Therefore, their understanding of infection control is essential in an effort to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Background

Radiography is a crucial diagnostic tool in healthcare, and radiographers play a vital role in producing high-quality images that aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has created a new challenge for radiographers, as they are at risk of exposure to the virus while performing their duties. Infection control is a critical aspect of healthcare, and radiographers must adhere to strict protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.

Methodology

This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and behavior of radiographers regarding infection control in the Medan City Radiology Installation during the Covid-19 pandemic. A descriptive study with a cross-sectional approach was used, involving 45 radiographers who interact directly with suspected patients or COVID-19 confirmation. Data collection was carried out through an online questionnaire, which was designed to measure the level of knowledge and behavior of radiographers.

Results

The results of the study showed that only 5 of 45 radiographers (11.12%) had good knowledge about infection control. A total of 32 radiographers (71.11%) showed adequate knowledge, while 8 radiographers (17.77%) had less knowledge. In terms of behavior, it was found that 23 radiographers (51.11%) showed positive behavior in applying the infection control protocol, while 22 others (48.89%) had negative behavior.

Discussion

The results of the study indicate an urgent need to increase the level of knowledge and behavior of radiographers in infection control. Although the majority of radiographers show adequate knowledge, the proportion of good knowledge is still fairly low. This can be an alarm for health institutions to conduct further training and counseling related to the infection control protocol.

Furthermore, radiographer behavior that is almost balanced between positive and negative shows that although there is a certain understanding, the application in daily practice still needs to be strengthened. Clear policies and procedures, as well as support from hospital management or health institutions, are very necessary to create a safer work environment for medical personnel and patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of increasing the level of knowledge and behavior of radiographers in infection control. Related parties should focus on more intensive education and training programs to increase radiographer knowledge and behavior in the application of infection control. This is expected to not only protect radiographers as medical personnel, but also patients and the wider community from the spread of COVID-19.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are made:

Conduct further training and counseling: Health institutions should conduct further training and counseling related to the infection control protocol to increase the level of knowledge and behavior of radiographers.
Develop clear policies and procedures: Clear policies and procedures should be developed and implemented to create a safer work environment for medical personnel and patients.
Provide support from hospital management: Hospital management or health institutions should provide support to radiographers in the application of infection control protocols.
Increase education and training programs: Related parties should focus on more intensive education and training programs to increase radiographer knowledge and behavior in the application of infection control.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The study involved a small sample size of 45 radiographers, which may not be representative of the larger population.
Cross-sectional design: The study used a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the dynamic nature of infection control practices.
Self-reported data: The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias and inaccuracies.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Increase the sample size: Future studies should involve a larger sample size to increase the generalizability of the findings.
Use a longitudinal design: Future studies should use a longitudinal design to capture the dynamic nature of infection control practices.
Use objective measures: Future studies should use objective measures to assess the level of knowledge and behavior of radiographers in infection control.

Conclusion

Q: What is the importance of infection control in radiography during the Covid-19 pandemic?

A: Infection control is crucial in radiography during the Covid-19 pandemic as radiographers are at risk of exposure to the virus while performing their duties. Adhering to strict infection control protocols is essential to prevent the spread of the virus and protect patients, radiographers, and the wider community.

Q: What are the key infection control practices that radiographers should follow?

A: Radiographers should follow key infection control practices such as:

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks, gloves, and gowns
Practicing hand hygiene
Cleaning and disinfecting equipment and surfaces
Implementing social distancing measures
Following proper waste disposal procedures

Q: How can radiographers improve their knowledge and behavior in infection control?

A: Radiographers can improve their knowledge and behavior in infection control by:

Participating in regular training and education programs
Following established infection control protocols
Staying up-to-date with the latest guidelines and recommendations
Reporting any concerns or incidents related to infection control

Q: What role do hospital management and health institutions play in infection control?

A: Hospital management and health institutions play a crucial role in infection control by:

Developing and implementing clear policies and procedures
Providing support and resources for radiographers to adhere to infection control protocols
Conducting regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance
Providing education and training programs for radiographers

Q: How can radiographers report concerns or incidents related to infection control?

A: Radiographers can report concerns or incidents related to infection control by:

Informing their supervisor or manager
Filling out a incident report form
Contacting the infection control team
Reporting to the hospital's quality and safety department

Q: What are the consequences of not adhering to infection control protocols in radiography?

A: The consequences of not adhering to infection control protocols in radiography can include:

Exposure to the Covid-19 virus
Transmission of the virus to patients and colleagues
Compromised patient safety
Damage to the reputation of the hospital or health institution
Financial penalties and legal consequences

Q: How can radiographers stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines and recommendations on infection control?

A: Radiographers can stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines and recommendations on infection control by:

Following reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Participating in regular training and education programs
Staying informed through newsletters and updates from their hospital or health institution
Attending conferences and workshops related to infection control

Q: What is the role of radiographers in preventing the spread of Covid-19?

A: Radiographers play a crucial role in preventing the spread of Covid-19 by:

Adhering to strict infection control protocols
Practicing hand hygiene and wearing PPE
Implementing social distancing measures
Reporting any concerns or incidents related to infection control
Participating in regular training and education programs

Q: How can radiographers contribute to a safer work environment for patients and colleagues?

A: Radiographers can contribute to a safer work environment for patients and colleagues by:

Adhering to infection control protocols
Practicing hand hygiene and wearing PPE
Implementing social distancing measures
Reporting any concerns or incidents related to infection control
Participating in regular training and education programs

Q: What are the benefits of adhering to infection control protocols in radiography?

A: The benefits of adhering to infection control protocols in radiography include:

Protecting patients and colleagues from the Covid-19 virus
Preventing the transmission of the virus
Maintaining patient safety
Reducing the risk of financial penalties and legal consequences
Enhancing the reputation of the hospital or health institution

Q: How can radiographers prioritize their own safety and well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic?

A: Radiographers can prioritize their own safety and well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic by:

Adhering to infection control protocols
Practicing hand hygiene and wearing PPE
Implementing social distancing measures
Reporting any concerns or incidents related to infection control
Participating in regular training and education programs
Seeking support from colleagues and supervisors if needed.