       Document 0377
 DOCN  M9610377
 TI    Compliance with universal precautions by emergency room nurses at
       Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital.
 DT    9601
 AU    Picheansathian W; Department of Paediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing,
       Chiang Mai; University, Thailand.
 SO    J Med Assoc Thai. 1995 Jul;78 Suppl 2:S118-22. Unique Identifier :
       AIDSLINE MED/96018458
 AB    Compliance with universal precautions (UP) by emergency room nurses in
       Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital was studied between August 1, 1992
       and November 30, 1992. Data were gathered from observation,
       questionnaires, and focus group discussion. During a period of 3 months,
       23 registered nurses and 17 practical nurses were observed during
       performing 509 UP-specific nursing procedures. Results showed a low rate
       of compliance with universal precautions among emergency room nurses.
       Aside from handwashing, the compliance of registered nurses was
       significantly higher than that of the practical nurses: 58% and 18%,
       respectively (P < 0.05). The most common protocol violations involved
       the use of barrier precautions. Gloves were the only protective attire
       that were worn while carrying out nursing interventions; other
       protective attire was completely ignored. The results also indicated
       that some nurses, both registered and practical, still recapped needles
       and demonstrated low rates of compliance with recommended handwashing
       procedures. In addition, they were more likely to apply the recommended
       universal precautions for patients with known HIV infection. The reasons
       for not using protective attire were similar for both registered and
       practical nurses i.e.: supplies not available, insufficient time,
       discomfort, inconvenience, habit, believing UP were not necessary, and
       concerns about patients' feeling and about nurses' own appearance. The
       findings also indicated that many emergency room nurses did not
       understand the implication of the UP for practice and had never
       participated in an inservice education programme related to UP.
 DE    Blood-Borne Pathogens  Disease Transmission,
       Patient-to-Professional/*PREVENTION &  CONTROL  *Emergency Nursing
       Emergency Service, Hospital  Hepatitis B/*PREVENTION &
       CONTROL/TRANSMISSION  Human  HIV Infections/*PREVENTION &
       CONTROL/TRANSMISSION  *Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice  Thailand
       *Universal Precautions  JOURNAL ARTICLE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

