OBJECTIVE: To conduct a critical evaluation of an infection control educational program in a Brazilian teaching hospital in order to suggest changes as needed. METHODS: This study used action research approach to collect data among 6 nurses working in an Intensive Cardiac Care Unit in a Brazilian teaching hospital in the Sao Paulo State. Paulo Freire's methodology was adopted to conduct interviews and nine discussion sections. RESULTS: Seven themes emerged: establish an annual program; ensure the mediator knows well the content of the program; have a schedule and duration of classes; facilitate class dynamic; focus on evidence-base practice; and, develop an instrument to evaluate the structure and organization of the Infection Control Service. CONCLUSION: This study involved staff nurses and developed their critical thinking regarding strategies that might be used to re-structure the infection control educational program. In addition, this study also promoted greater nursing autonomy and nursing team cohesion in the control of infection.
Health education; Education, nursing; Cross infection