Barrier precautions in trauma resuscitations: multivaried analysis of factors affecting use.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relative importance of factors affecting use of barrier precautions by trauma team members.


METHODS
Prospective, nonblinded review of barrier precaution use by trauma team members over three periods. A multivaried analysis of factors affecting use then was conducted.


METHODS
A 615-bed Level I trauma center in New York State with an accredited surgical residency program.


METHODS
Trauma team members involved in resuscitating multitrauma patients in the trauma room.


METHODS
Period 1: June to August 1991, barrier precaution use before interventions; period 2: September 1991 to January 1992, educational seminars held and material access improved by designated cart; period 3: February to June 1992, legislation mandating barrier precaution use introduced.


RESULTS
Barrier precaution compliance improved significantly in periods 2 and 3. The improvement was seen in all providers studied. Improvement in barrier precaution use correlated significantly with education, materials access, and legislation.


CONCLUSIONS
Improved compliance with barrier precaution use can be affected by education, improving materials access, and legislation. The relative importance of education versus materials access requires further study.
Sahdev
P
P
Department of Surgery, Nassau County Medical Center, East Meadow, New York.
Lacqua
M J
MJ
Harrigan
N
N
Evans
J T
JT
Vaish
A K
AK
D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011481:Protective Clothing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012151:Resuscitation; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy*