Study: Observational learning ineffective in ensuring nursing student infection control compliance

Editor's Note

New research underscores the need for innovative educational approaches to strengthen infection control practices. Published January 8 in the American Journal of Infection control, the study examined the impact of clinical observations on nursing students' adherence to standard precautions. Findings show observational learning contributes minimally to compliance, accounting for only 6% of the variance.

Using a cross-sectional descriptive design, the study surveyed 405 nursing students. Results showed average scores of 33.39±12.98 for observations on infection control, 10.93±4.79 for adherence to standard precautions, and 53.38±10.35 for factors affecting compliance. A statistically significant negative correlation (r=-.254, p<0.01) was identified between students' observations and their compliance with standard precautions.

The findings suggest that nursing students' clinical observations during training have limited influence on their infection control behaviors, researchers write. The negative correlation between observation and compliance points to the inadequacy of observational learning as a standalone strategy for fostering adherence to standard precautions.