Knowledge and practices related to standard precautions among Medical Laboratory Technologists in tertiary care hospitals in Sri Lanka
Abstract
Objective: To describe knowledge and practices related to standard precautions among Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) in tertiary care hospitals in Sri Lanka.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 204 MLTs in six randomly selected tertiary care hospitals (3 state sector and 3 private sector) in Western Province. A self-administered structured questionnaire and a structured observation checklist were used for data collection. Scores were assigned to responses and were used to determine the level of knowledge and practices.
Results: MLTs of both state and private sectors had good knowledge (mean knowledge scores 188.22 and 182.64, respectively) and reported good practices (mean practice scores, 72.89 and 85.18 respectively). However, observations showed that wearing protective devices (clothes and gloves) was relatively poor in state sector (8% and 38%, respectively). Undesirable habits such as eating and drinking inside the laboratories were common in both sectors. Facilities provided to MLTs in both sectors for them to follow standard precautionary practices were not optimal, and were comparatively poorer in state sector.
Conclusions: MLTs in both state and private sectors have a good knowledge regarding standard precautions. Overall practices regarding safety precautions are much higher among MLTs in private hospitals than those in state hospitals, probably resulting from better availability of relevant facilities in private sector. Facilities provided for the MLTs in state sector needs improvement to enable them to practice standard safety precautions.
