A national survey of infection prevention practices on bone marrow transplant units.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and describe bone marrow transplant (BMT)-specific infection prevention measures in the United States.


METHODS
Survey design using a mailed questionnaire.


METHODS
BMT programs across the United States.


METHODS
91 BMT programs (80.5% response rate).


METHODS
A questionnaire containing both closed- and open-ended items was mailed to identified nurse contacts following introductory phone calls. Descriptive statistics were computed on responses to closed-ended questions; content analysis was performed on responses to open-ended questions.


RESULTS
Although all programs used some type of protected environment, practices varied considerably. Wide variation existed in cover-garment and hand-washing practices, regardless of the type of protected environment in use. Other protective measures included skin decontamination (69%), gut decontamination with oral nonabsorbable antibiotics (30%), antifungal therapy (73%), acyclovir therapy (82%), immunotherapy (73%), granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor therapy (58%), and modified microbial diets (66%). Numerous mouth care regimens, visitor and patient precautions, and environmental maintenance routines were described.


CONCLUSIONS
Little standardization of infection-prevention practices exists nationwide.


CONCLUSIONS
Efforts should be made to test the cost effectiveness and benefits of the various measures in use prior to the development of national standards.
Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD.
S S
SS
Poe
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E
Larson
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D
McGuire
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Krumm
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000451:nursing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents