Discover how Mission Niramaya's educational program is transforming nursing students into infection prevention experts through evidence-based training and skill enhancement.
Imagine a world where a simple check-up or a routine surgery doesn't carry the hidden risk of a new, potentially deadly infection. This is the fundamental goal of infection prevention and control (IPC)—a critical frontline in modern healthcare.
Now, a pioneering study from the School of Nursing at Sharda University is putting a powerful new tool to the test: Mission Niramaya.
Initiated by the U.P. Government, Mission Niramaya is a comprehensive program aimed at making healthcare facilities spick, span, and, most importantly, safe from infections. But does dedicated training on this mission truly translate into more skilled, confident, and competent nurses? This is the question a team of nurse-researchers set out to answer, and their findings could reshape how we prepare our healthcare heroes for one of their most important battles .
Infections acquired during healthcare delivery pose significant risks to patient safety worldwide .
Effective IPC programs can reduce infection rates by up to 70% in healthcare settings .
To measure the real-world impact of Mission Niramaya training, the researchers designed a robust, hands-on experiment.
The researchers followed a clear, pre-and-post test design to track the development of the nursing students.
A group of nursing students from Sharda University was selected to participate in the study.
Before any special training began, the students' existing knowledge and skills regarding IPC protocols were assessed through written quizzes and practical OSCE examinations.
Students underwent a comprehensive, multi-modal Educational Teaching Program (ETP) based on Mission Niramaya guidelines, including interactive lectures, live demonstrations, and hands-on practice sessions.
After the training program was completed, the exact same knowledge quiz and practical OSCE were administered to the same group of students.
The researchers compared the pre-test and post-test scores to quantify the change in both knowledge and skill competency.
The study is built on a simple but powerful educational theory—that structured, focused teaching can directly bridge the gap between knowing what to do and knowing how to do it perfectly every single time. For nursing students, this "skill competency" is the difference between textbook knowledge and life-saving practice .
The results were striking. The Educational Teaching Program didn't just cause a minor improvement; it led to a dramatic leap in competency.
This table shows the average scores from the written test, demonstrating a significant increase in theoretical understanding.
| Assessment Phase | Average Knowledge Score (Out of 100) | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Test | 58.2 | - |
| Post-Test | 89.7 | +54% |
This table breaks down the performance in the practical skills (OSCE) assessment. The improvement was consistent across all critical domains.
| Practical Skill Domain | Pre-Test Score (Out of 20) | Post-Test Score (Out of 20) |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Hygiene Technique | 12.4 | 19.1 |
| PPE Donning & Doffing | 11.8 | 18.5 |
| Sharps & Waste Management | 10.5 | 17.9 |
| Surface Disinfection Protocol | 13.2 | 18.8 |
This data provides concrete, evidence-based proof that targeted educational programs are not just informative—they are transformative. The study moves beyond assumption and demonstrates that we can systematically and significantly enhance the practical skills of our future nurses, thereby directly improving patient safety and clinical outcomes .
What does it take to run such a training program? Here's a look at the essential "research reagents" and tools used in this educational experiment.
| Tool / Material | Function in the Study |
|---|---|
| Structured Educational Modules | The curriculum backbone; provided standardized, step-by-step learning on all Mission Niramaya protocols. |
| Skill Demonstration Videos | Offered visual, repeatable examples of correct procedures, crucial for mastering complex sequences like PPE use. |
| High-Fidelity Mannequins | Allowed students to practice procedures like wound dressing and injection in a safe, risk-free environment. |
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Real-world equipment (gloves, gowns, masks, goggles) for realistic practice of donning and doffing. |
| ATP Bioluminescence Meters | Devices that use light to measure the cleanliness of surfaces, providing instant, objective feedback on disinfection effectiveness. |
| Pre-Validated Assessment Checklists | Standardized forms used by observers during the OSCE to ensure fair and consistent scoring of each student's performance. |
Demonstration videos increased procedural retention by 40% compared to text-only materials .
High-fidelity simulation improves skill transfer to clinical settings by 65% .
Standardized checklists reduce evaluation bias and improve reliability of skill assessment .
The findings from Sharda University are clear and compelling. The Educational Teaching Program on Mission Niramaya was not just effective; it was a resounding success in boosting both the knowledge and the hands-on skills of nursing students.
This study provides a blueprint for transforming nursing education through structured, practical, and immersive training programs that directly enhance clinical competency and patient safety.
Average increase in knowledge scores
Improvement in practical skill competency
Of students showed measurable improvement
This study does more than just validate a training program; it shows that by investing in structured, practical, and immersive education, we can equip our nurses with the confidence and competence to be true guardians against infection. As these "Super-Nurses" enter the workforce, they carry with them the power of Mission Niramaya—transforming hospitals into safer havens for healing, one sterilized hand and one properly managed procedure at a time .