INFECTION CONTROL IN THE MATERNITY CARE SYSTEM: ASSESSMENT OF RESOURCE AVAILABILITY, HUMAN CAPACITY AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Background and Objectives. Infection safety in obstetric institutions is a critical component of the medical care quality and safety assurance system. This study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of factors that may influence infection safety in obstetric settings, including the level of technical and pharmaceutical equipment, staff satisfaction with working conditions, interprofessional collaboration, and access to professional development opportunities. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 20 to February 20, 2025, involving 255 healthcare professionals working in obstetric institutions in Astana, Semey, and Kokshetau. Data was collected using Google Forms online platform. The sample included physicians and nursing personnel, along with professionals in medical rehabilitation, clinical diagnostics, administration, pharmacy, and related specialties. Results. The study involved 255 health workers from obstetric facilities, including doctors 14.9% (N=38), nurses 73.3% (N=187), as well as medical rehabilitation specialists, clinical diagnostic workers, administrative and management staff, pharmacists and other specialists 11.8% (N=30).Among nursing staff, 78.7% (N=118) positively assessed the facility's equipment, while among physicians this indicator was only 11.3% (N=17)(p = 0.001).A similar trend was observed in satisfaction with drug availability: 80.4% (N=123) of nurses versus 9.8% (N=15) of doctors (p = 0.009). Satisfaction with departmental staffing was reported by 74.2% (N=112) of nursing staff and only 13.2% (N=20) of doctors (p = 0.07). Laboratory diagnostics were considered accessible by 78.3% of nurses, compared to 10.2% of doctors (p = 0.001). Regarding specialist consultations (e.g., cardiologist, endocrinologist), 76.3% (N=129) of nurses were satisfied versus 14.2% (N=24) of doctors (p < 0.0001). While 11.6% (N=5) of doctors reported occasional misunderstandings with nursing staff, no statistically significant differences were observed in interprofessional communication (p = 0.66). Access to training and continuing education was satisfactory for 79.9% (N=123) of nursing staff but only 8.4% (N=13) of doctors (p = 0.001). Conclusion. Significant differences were found between physicians and nursing staff in their perceptions of working conditions and infection safety factors. The most critically assessed areas included technical equipment, access to diagnostics, and opportunities for professional growth. The findings underscore the need for management decisions aimed at improving resources and expanding professional development programmes for health workers in obstetric facilities.