Paula Cristina Santos Rocha

Prof. Paula Cristina Santos Rocha


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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19 February 2025 in Microorganisms
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JTJoana Ferreira Moreira Teixeira
Joana Ferreira Moreira Teixeira
neuza cristina moura Reisneuza cristina moura Reis
neuza cristina moura Reis
Ewelina ChawłowskaEwelina Chawłowska
Ewelina Chawłowska
PRPaula Cristina Santos Rocha
Paula Cristina Santos Rocha
BCBarbara Czech-Szczapa
Barbara Czech-Szczapa
MPMaria do Rosário Pinto
Maria do Rosário Pinto
To analyze nursing interventions for preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), major complications in acute care impacting length of stay, costs, morbidity, and mortality, an umbrella review was conducted between 1 February and 26 February 2024, following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA reporting guidelines, resulting in the inclusion of 22 articles. The 22 final articles obtained addressed the following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categories: surgical site infections (e.g., skin antisepsis, antibiotic prophylaxis), catheter-related bloodstream infections (e.g., taurolidine lock solutions), ventilator-associated pneumonia (e.g., oral hygiene, semi-recumbent positioning), and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (e.g., catheter duration management). Using Neuman’s holistic framework, the review emphasized patient–environment interactions. Further primary research is needed to refine these interventions and enhance interprofessional care. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024506801).

25 August 2025 in Nurse Education Today
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
MPMárcia Pestana-Santos
Márcia Pestana-Santos
CNCarla Nascimento
Carla Nascimento
KJKrystyna Jaracz
Krystyna Jaracz
RLRose M Laisser
Rose M Laisser
JRJane Rogathi
Jane Rogathi
MPMaria do Rosário Pinto
Maria do Rosário Pinto
To explore the experiences and perceptions of nurse educators about prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections in two countries of Sub-Saharan Africa. Qualitative descriptive study. A multimodal approach was employed to investigate the reality of hospital-associated infections. In-depth interviews were conducted with educators (n = 24) to gain comprehensive insights, and 14 focus group discussions were facilitated with academic and clinical educators (n = 96). Collected data was analysed using the content analysis method. It was identified one major category, "Education about Infection Prevention and Control," with five categories and twelve subcategories. Key findings highlighted pedagogical challenges in nursing education stemming from the imbalance between theory and practice, coupled with insufficient hours dedicated to infection control training. Participants noted gaps in the collaboration between lecturers and clinical instructors, as well as a lack of equipment in all the learning contexts, hindering the HAI protocols and limiting the effectiveness of infection prevention and control measures in both SSA countries. Addressing the identified pedagogical challenges, enhancing collaboration between nursing educators, providing adequate equipment, and developing a contextually adapted model for infection prevention is essential for improving education and practices in both countries of Sub-Saharan Africa.

16 August 2025 in Hygiene
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
PRPaula Cristina Santos Rocha
Paula Cristina Santos Rocha
SAStephanie Norotiana Andriamiharisoa
Stephanie Norotiana Andriamiharisoa
AGAna Godinho
Ana Godinho
PRPierana Gabriel Randaoharison
Pierana Gabriel Randaoharison
LHLugie Harimalala
Lugie Harimalala
MPMaria do Rosário Pinto
Maria do Rosário Pinto
Hand hygiene is a key measure to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), yet compliance remains low in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), due to limited resources, insufficient training, and behavioral challenges. Simulation-based education offers a promising approach to enhance technical and non-technical skills in safe learning environments, promoting behavioral change and patient safety. This study aimed to develop and pilot a contextually adapted hand hygiene simulation-based learning scenario for nursing students in SSA. Grounded in the Medical Research Council (MRC) Framework and Design-Based Research principles, a multidisciplinary team from European and African higher education institutions (HEIs) co-created this scenario, integrating international and regional hand hygiene guidelines. Two iterative pilot cycles were conducted with expert panels, educators, and students. Data from structured observation and post-simulation questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results confirm the scenario’s feasibility, relevance, and educational value. The participants rated highly the clarity of learning objectives (M = 5.0, SD = 0.0) and preparatory materials (M = 4.6, SD = 0.548), reporting increased knowledge/skills and confidence and emphasizing the importance of clear roles, structured facilitation, and real-time feedback. These findings suggest that integrating simulation in health curricula could strengthen HAI prevention and control in SSA. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes and the potential for wider implementation.