The human immunodeficiency virus: knowledge and precautions among anesthesiology personnel [see comments]

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1992. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

The human immunodeficiency virus: knowledge and precautions among anesthesiology personnel [see comments]

J Clin Anesth. 1991 Jul-Aug;3(4):266-75. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/92000698
Stevens CK; Mentis SW; Downs JB; Department of Anesthesiology, University of South Florida College; of Medicine, Tampa.

Abstract: STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare actual infectious disease precautions with current recommendations and to determine the influence of age, clinical experience, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge, previous personal HIV exposure, and education on practices. DESIGN: Direct clinical observations of infectious precautions and preeducation and posteducation surveys of clinical practices and general knowledge of the HIV. SETTING: University teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-six anesthesia department members completed a preeducation survey, and 24 completed a posteducation survey. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The survey showed that adequate precautions were used during less than 50% of the routine procedures. Significant positive correlations were found between years of clinical practice and precautions used while inserting vascular catheters. Significant positive correlation was found between years of clinical practice and precautions taken while handling soiled laryngoscopes. Knowledge about the HIV and HIV transmission was limited. We noted a negative correlation between knowledge and precautions during vascular cannulation procedures, emergency department resuscitation, and tracheal suction. More precautions were taken with patients who had proven HIV infections and those at high risk of infection. The posteducation survey demonstrated a significant increase only in the use of gloves during routine procedures. Knowledge scores were only slightly improved and did not significantly reflect infection control practices. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate infectious disease precautions were not taken by anesthesia personnel. An HIV educational program resulted in only a small increase in precautionary measures.

Keywords: Adult Anesthesiology/*STANDARDS Human HIV Infections/PREVENTION & CONTROL/*TRANSMISSION *Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Occupational Diseases/*PREVENTION & CONTROL Questionnaires *Universal Precautions JOURNAL ARTICLE

Comment in: J Clin Anesth 1991 Jul-Aug;3(4):263-5
920130
M9210739

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