Asian Nurs Res.  2015 Jun;9(2):109-114. 10.1016/j.anr.2015.01.002.

Clinical Experiences as Related to Standard Precautions Compliance among Nursing Students: A Focus Group Interview Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior

• Kim KM
• Oh H

• KMID: 2387609
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.anr.2015.01.002

Abstract

PURPOSE
During clinical placements, nursing students who come into close contact with patients and provide nursing interventions may be exposed to harmful pathogens. However, little is known about nursing students' experiences with standard precautions (SP) in clinical settings.
METHODS
We conducted interviews with six focus groups of nursing students (n = 38) from two universities in South Korea. The focus group interviews each took 90e120 minutes and included 6e7 participants from two different universities. The meetings used semi-structured interview protocols. Qualitative content analysis was employed.
RESULTS
Four themes and 9 subthemes were identified: (a) attitudes (knowledge deficit, sensitivity), (b) subjective norms (negative role models, classroom and in-field gaps, blind spots), (c) perceived behavioral control (psychological barriers, physical barriers, lack of information), and (d) intention (changes in compliance awareness).
CONCLUSIONS
These focus groups revealed that many nursing students worked in vulnerable environments and risked pathogen exposure. Nursing students expressed the importance of SP but reported witnessing many instances of failure to comply with established measures. Several barriers were explored as reasons of SP noncompliance. By removing the barriers presented in this study, nursing students would be able to perform their duties in a safe clinical environment.

Keyword

behavior; compliance; focus group; intention; nursing students

MeSH Terms

Focus Groups
*Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Infection Control/*methods
Interviews as Topic
*Nursing Methodology Research
Republic of Korea
Students, Nursing/*psychology
Universities