Compliance With Standard Precautions Among Pediatric Anesthesia Providers

Abstract

Barrier precautions can reduce the risk of acquiring blood-borne infections, yet such precautions are frequently ignored, especially by personnel caring for pediatric patients. We observed pediatric anesthesia personnel to determine if patient and/or provider demographics influenced the use of standard precautions, and we determined whether an educational intervention would alter the behavior of anesthesia providers. Two, twelve week, observational periods were conducted during which time anesthesia provider's adherence to standard precautions was observed. The providers included student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNA), second year (CA2) and third year (CA3) anesthesia residents, fellows in pediatric anesthesiology and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA). During period one, a statistically significant difference in glove use between junior and senior anesthesia providers (94% vs. 46%) was found. There were no differences in the use of standard precautions based on age, gender, or race. In the second period of the study, it was noted that compliance with standard precautions improved after an educational intervention. Prior to the educational seminar, 89% of junior providers and 40% of senior providers wore gloves during the induction of anesthesia. After the educational intervention, glove use increased to 100% for junior providers and 70% for senior providers. Glove use during emergence and the percent of providers wearing eye protection also increased. Implications: The greatest differences in the use of barrier precautions are related to the seniority of medical personnel and patient demographics do not influence the use of such precautions. A 30-minute educational inservice is effective in increasing the compliance with standard precautions.