Identifying barriers to compliance with a universal inpatient protocol for Staphylococcus aureus nasal decolonization with povidone-iodine

Academic hospital nurses were surveyed to assess adherence barriers to a universal povidone-iodine nasal decolonization protocol to prevent Staphylococcus aureus infection. Low training rates, inadequate supplies, documentation and tracking challenges, patient refusal, and burnout contributed to suboptimal adherence. Prioritizing education is essential but alone is insufficient for successful protocol adoption.