Barrier Precautions in Trauma Resuscitations: Multivaried Analysis of Factors Affecting Use

Abstract

Study objectives: To determine the relative importance of factors affecting use of barrier precautions by trauma team members. Design: Prospective, nonblinded review of barrier precaution use by trauma team members over three periods. A multivaried analysis of factors affecting use then was conducted. Setting: A 615-bed Level I trauma center in New York State with an accredited surgical residency program. Type of participants: Trauma team members involved in resuscitating multitrauma patients in the trauma room. Interventions: Period 1: June to August 1991, barrier precaution use before interventions; period 2: September 1991 to January 1992, educational seminars held and material access improved by designated cart; period 3: February to June 1992, legislation mandating barrier precaution use introduced. Main results: Barrier precaution compliance improved significantly in periods 2 and 3. The improvement was seen in all providers studied. Improvement in barrier precaution use correlated significantly with education, materials access, and legislation. Conclusion: Improved compliance with barrier precaution use can be affected by education, improving materials access, and legislation. The relative importance of education versus materials access requires further study. [Sahdev P, Lacqua MJ, Harrigan N, Evans JT, Vaish AK: Barrier precautions in trauma resuscitations: Multivaried analysis of factors affecting use. Ann Emerg Med April 1994;23:823-827.]