HIV and measures to control infection in general practice.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of HIV on procedures to control infection in general practices.


METHODS
A postal questionnaire survey.


METHODS
General practices throughout Britain.


METHODS
5359 General practitioners, 3429 (63.9%) of whom returned the questionnaire.


METHODS
Response to questionnaire on knowledge about HIV and policies for controlling infection.


RESULTS
Most doctors (2018) had started to wear gloves when taking blood. Almost half (1510) had not resheathed needles previously but a further 776 had adopted this policy because of HIV. Over half of the doctors did not know or were unsure about the risk of infection from needlestick injuries, and 1759 had no practice policy for controlling infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Many doctors are uncertain about measures to control infection in general practice. More information and advice are needed to help doctors develop policies to protect patients and staff.
Foy
C
C
Health Care Research Unit, University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Gallagher
M
M
Rhodes
T
T
Setters
J
J
Philips
P
P
Donaldson
C
C
Bond
J
J
Moore
M
M
Naji
S
S
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005194:Family Practice; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom