An investigation of the division between espoused and actual practice in infection control and of the knowledge sources that may underpin this division

Abstract

Aims: This paper aims to provide a better understanding of divisions between the espoused and actual infection control practice of staff working within a renal unit and to investigate the sources of knowledge used to underpin practice. Background: Healthcare associated infection continues to be a major problem for health services. It has been claimed that healthcare associated infections may be reduced by around a third through the use of effective infection control measures. The effectiveness of these measures will rely upon the learning and skills of those implementing them. Methods: The study employed a primarily qualitative approach using participant observation and semi structured interviews over a six month period on a renal unit within a district general hospital. Results: Results gained provided some indication of a gap between espoused and actual compliance with infection control policy in practice while also indicating that tacit knowledge and learning in practice may offer an effective means of gaining and implementing infection control knowledge. Conclusions: This study highlights divisions between espoused and actual infection control practice, it also emphasises the role of tacit learning and how tacit knowledge may be gained and employed in practice.