The survey was jointly conducted by Kimberly-Clark Health Care and Baylor Health Care System in cooperation with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Each year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu-related complications4 and the CDC estimates that approximately 200,000 to 400,000 hospitalizations occurred during the 2009 H1N1 flu season.5
One area of concern for the nurses was that public knowledge of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), the prevention of which is important to containing illness in hospitals, was low. Only 40 percent of the nurses surveyed feel that the public is well informed on this issue.6
Other important findings from the survey reflect flu preparedness and the need for further HAI education:
- 73 percent of nurses expect the upcoming flu season to be somewhat severe7, but are prepared with the flu vaccine (92 percent plan to get it)8, flu education materials appropriate for all staff (69 percent of respondents have these)9 and a pandemic planning committee (68 percent of respondents have this).10
- 60 percent of nurses noted that their hospital's HAI prevention program was nearly the same or only somewhat improved over the past year.11
- 54 percent of nurses believe the public needs more education about the benefits of HAI prevention programs.12
"The survey results are encouraging," said Dr. Wava Truscott, Director, Medical Sciences & Education, Kimberly-Clark Health Care. "Clearly our hospitals have made great strides in emergency preparedness, and while we have a long way to go in ever being 'fully' prepared, this is a positive step."
"We were pleased to work with Kimberly-Clark Health Care to assess nurses' level of preparedness when it comes to preventing the spread of flu and HAIs," says Rosemary Luquire, RN, PhD, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer of Baylor Health Care System. "As part of our vision to be trusted as the best place to give and receive safe, quality, compassionate care, Baylor has made flu preparedness a priority. This year, in fact, we revised our Universal Influenza Protocol Policy to emphasize the important role our employees play in flu prevention. As such, we are offering free flu shots to all staff members through December 31, and have posted flu prevention information throughout all of our facilities."
Kimberly-Clark in the Healthcare Environment
Around the world, medical professionals turn to Kimberly-Clark for a wide portfolio of solutions that improve the health, hygiene and well-being of their patients and staff. As part of their healing mission, caregivers rely on Kimberly-Clark to deliver clinical solutions and educational resources that they can depend on to prevent, diagnose and manage a wide variety of healthcare-associated infections. This more than $1 billion global enterprise of Kimberly-Clark Corporation holds the No. 1 or No. 2 market share position in several categories, including infection control solutions, surgical solutions, pain management and digestive health. And throughout the care continuum, patients and staff alike trust Kimberly-Clark medical supplies and devices, KLEENEX tissues, KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL skin care products and SCOTT towels for day-to-day needs.
1. Kimberly-Clark Health Care/Baylor Health Care System flu survey question 2 (data on file)
2. Kimberly-Clark Health Care/Baylor Health Care System flu survey question 3 (data on file)
3. Kimberly-Clark Health Care/Baylor Health Care System flu survey question 13 (data on file)
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6. Kimberly-Clark Health Care/Baylor Health Care System flu survey question 7 (data on file)
7. Kimberly-Clark Health Care/Baylor Health Care System flu survey question 4 (data on file)
8. Kimberly-Clark Health Care/Baylor Health Care System flu survey question 12 (data on file)
9. Kimberly-Clark Health Care/Baylor Health Care System flu survey question 10 (data on file)
10. Kimberly-Clark Health Care/Baylor Health Care System flu survey question 9 (data on file)
11. Kimberly-Clark Health Care/Baylor Health Care System flu survey question 6 (data on file)
12. Kimberly-Clark Health Care/Baylor Health Care System flu survey question 7 (data on file)
Source:
Baylor Health Care System
American Nurses Credentialing Center