A K Madan1, D E Rentz, M J Wahle, L M Flint. 1. Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Universal precautions during resuscitations are mandated by hospital regulations. We documented adherence to universal precautions during trauma resuscitations at our level I trauma center. METHODS: During trauma resuscitations, a medical student using an elevated viewing platform observed health care workers (HCWs) for the use of barrier precautions (BPs): gloves, masks, gowns, and eyewear. Only HCWs having direct patient contact were included. The purpose of the observation was not disclosed to those being observed. RESULTS: In 12 resuscitations involving 104 HCWs, none had 100% compliance with BPs. Compliance rates for individual BPs were gloves, 98%; eyewear (any type), 52%; gowns, 38%; masks, 10%; and eyewear (with side protectors), 9%. Resuscitations in which bleeding was observed involved 59 HCWs with 38% compliance; only 2 used full BPs. No difference in compliance rates occurred during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Experienced trauma care HCWs are cavalier regarding blood-borne disease exposure risks. Measures to encourage (or force) compliance are needed.
BACKGROUND: Universal precautions during resuscitations are mandated by hospital regulations. We documented adherence to universal precautions during trauma resuscitations at our level I trauma center. METHODS: During trauma resuscitations, a medical student using an elevated viewing platform observed health care workers (HCWs) for the use of barrier precautions (BPs): gloves, masks, gowns, and eyewear. Only HCWs having direct patient contact were included. The purpose of the observation was not disclosed to those being observed. RESULTS: In 12 resuscitations involving 104 HCWs, none had 100% compliance with BPs. Compliance rates for individual BPs were gloves, 98%; eyewear (any type), 52%; gowns, 38%; masks, 10%; and eyewear (with side protectors), 9%. Resuscitations in which bleeding was observed involved 59 HCWs with 38% compliance; only 2 used full BPs. No difference in compliance rates occurred during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Experienced trauma care HCWs are cavalier regarding blood-borne disease exposure risks. Measures to encourage (or force) compliance are needed.
Authors: K Watson; J Williams-Johnson; H Watson; C Walters; E W Williams; D Eldemire-Shearer Journal: West Indian Med J Date: 2014-06-11 Impact factor: 0.171
Authors: T Peponis; M C Cropano; A Larentzakis; M G van der Wilden; Y A Mejaddam; C A Sideris; M Michailidou; K Fikry; A Bramos; S Janjua; Y Chang; D R King Journal: Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg Date: 2016-03-19 Impact factor: 3.693