Effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction in increasing the rate of universal precautions--related behaviors.
BACKGROUND
With widespread noncompliance to universal precautions well established, an experimental study was designed to compare the rate of universal precautions--related behaviors between nurses who participate in computer-assisted instruction. This study also explored the relationship between rates of universal precautions--related behaviors and subjects' demographic and experiential characteristics and history of occupational blood-borne exposure.


METHODS
Data were collected by using a questionnaire to elicit information as to subjects' demographic and experiential characteristics and history of occupational blood-borne exposure. The Universal Precautions Assessment Tool was used to gather data on rates of universal precautions--related behaviors on two groups of registered nurses with 30 subjects per group.


RESULTS
By using analysis of variance, the null hypothesis was rejected. The intervention used in this study did increase universal precautions--related behaviors. Multiple regression was used to analyze the research question and none of the variables were significant. Forty (67.8%) subjects reported receiving a needlestick or cut caused by a needle or sharp that was actually or potentially contaminated with blood or body fluids. Of these exposures, only one patient was known to be HIV antibody positive.


CONCLUSIONS
Replication studies using computer-assisted instruction interventions are needed as are studies aimed at exploring other potentially effective interventions.
Wright
B J
BJ
Division of Nursing, University of Arkansas, Monticello 71656, USA.
Turner
J G
JG
Daffin
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012309:Risk-Taking; D014481:United States; D016635:Universal Precautions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*