Key result
A survey of 493 anesthesiologists revealed that while most exhibit appropriate infection control behaviors, 20% frequently reuse syringes and 34.4% rarely disinfect multidose vials prior to use.
Cross-Sectional (n=493)
Yes
While most anesthesiologists report appropriate infection control behaviors, potentially hazardous practices such as reusing syringes continue to occur.
Warrants vigilance for syringe reuse and vial disinfection lapses in anesthesia; leaves open the impact on nosocomial infection rates and optimal mitigation approaches.
Given the societal and economic impact of perioperative infection, it is essential that anesthesiologists and other operating room personnel use appropriate precautions to reduce the potential for transmission of infectious agents to the patients under their care. This study, therefore, was designed to evaluate the degree to which anesthesiologists utilize appropriate hygienic techniques for the prevention of infection in the perioperative period. A total of 1149 questionnaires were mailed to anesthesiologists randomly selected from the membership of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). Of these, 493 (44%) were completed and returned. Forty-nine percent and 75.3% of respondents always used gloves and masks, respectively, in their everyday practice. Only 58% of respondents stated that they always washed their hands after every patient contact and 85% reported that they always used aseptic technique for placing indwelling catheters. Knowledge of universal precautions for prevention of occupational transmission of infection was associated with good hygienic practice. Twenty percent of the respondents reported frequently or always reusing syringes for more than one patient and 34.4% reported never or rarely disinfecting the septum of multidose vials prior to use. The practice of reusing syringes was significantly greater among private than university practitioners (P < 0.01). On a scale of 0-10 (10 = high) anesthesiologists rated their potential for transmitting or contributing to patient potential for transmitting or contributing to patient infection as 4.7 +/- 0.12 (mean +/- SE). Results of this study suggest that, whereas most responding anesthesiologists exhibit appropriate infection control behaviors, there are several potentially hazardous practices that continue.
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Tait et al. (1995) conducted a cross-sectional in Perioperative infection prevention (n=493). Infection control behaviors was evaluated on Utilization of appropriate hygienic techniques for the prevention of infection in the perioperative period. A survey of 493 anesthesiologists revealed that while most exhibit appropriate infection control behaviors, 20% frequently reuse syringes and 34.4% rarely disinfect multidose vials prior to use.
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