Evaluation of the Efficiency of Applied Dental Unit Cleaning- Disinfection Training in Sakarya Oral and Dental Health Hospital

Aim: Failure to perform the cleaning and disinfection of medical devices and hospital environments in accordance with the procedure may result in health care-associated infections, dissemination of resistant microorganisms, and increased hospital expenses due to unnecessary procedures for cleaning-disinfection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of applied unit cleaning and disinfection training in oral and dental health hospital. Method: The study, which was planned as an intervention study, was carried out in Sakarya Oral and Dental Health Hospital between 24.07.2017-20.10.2017. Employees were asked questions about unit cleaning and disinfection and the observations were made. The same group was then given the Applied Unit Cleaning Disinfection Training (UCDT) by the infection control nurse. After UCDT training, the data of the study group were evaluated via observation. The results of the observation before and after the training were recorded in a standard form. The data were analyzed in SPSS 21 program and p <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: 85% of healthcare workers were women (n:68) and 15% were men (n:10); the mean age was 38.4 ± 7.1 (22-50). 44% (n: 30) of the participants were cleaning staff, 51% (n: 35) of the dental clinic assistant and 4% (n: 3) of the nurses, and the average number of working year of health workers in the hospital was 9 ± 3 (2- 13) year. 90% of the health care workers were clinical workers and 10% were non-clinical workers. Participation to UCDT was 100% (n: 68). Significant improvement was observed in unit cleaning, material cleaning, reflector arm, cuspidor disinfection, unit device, arm cuff, table and assistant pedal disinfection and glove exchange process steps after unit cleaning (p <0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that the unit cleaning and disinfection applications in the post-training period were performed in accordance with the procedure, the cleaning disinfection direction with UCDT increased from clean to dirty, and the in-unit and applied training were more effective