[Survey on the measures of asepsis taken by general practitioners].
CURRENT STATE OF THE QUESTION: Many legislative and administrative texts rule asepsis and prophylaxis in health care centres. The deontological code provides the guidelines for medical corps.


OBJECTIVE
To identify the measures set-up to prevent the transmission of infections in general practitioners' consulting rooms and to compare them with the data in the literature.


METHODS
A postal survey using a questionnaire was sent to a representative sample of 119 general practitioners in the Loire-Atlantique area in France.


RESULTS
The response rate was of 69%. The majority of physicians declared that had a wash basin in the consulting room, 43% declared that they did not systematically wash their hands between 2 patients in their consulting rooms and 78% during home visits, 23% used an ordinary soap, 49% a hydro-alcoholic solution, and 62% wiped their hands with a cotton towel. Blood interventions were performed with gloves by more than 80% of the participants, complete decontamination procedures of the material were performed by 6%, but more than 80% used single use material. Although 45% believed they had changed their habits, 23% remained wary of any eventual recommendations and 43% made no comments.


CONCLUSIONS
This survey method collects declarative data and remains limited with regard to information. In-depth analysis of the daily activity of the participants would be useful for an approach of performance criteria, in view of the fact that some consultations do not include any, or even partial, clinical examination. The investments required for the purchase of the material compatible with the specifications applicable to health care centres may appear excessive for their current activity. The generalisation of the use of single use material represents a great progress in the field of prevention. Comparison with similar earlier studies shows the good progress made and the improvement in quality. Nevertheless, studies using a strict methodology are necessary to establish guidelines to be applied in general medical practice. The drawing-up of Referentials requires great rigour and the participation of the practitioners in their development and organisation would lead to substantial benefits.
Chambonet
Jean-Yves
JY
Généraliste, Nantes (44).
Cluis
Patrice
P
D001207:Asepsis / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D017575:Gloves, Protective; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010821:Physicians, Family; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic