[Local survey of practice patterns for barrier precautions during anesthesia practice].

BACKGROUND

Performing appropriate infection control procedures including barrier precautions with aseptic technique during anesthesia practice is extremely important in order to prevent nosocomial infection in surgical patients, as well as to avoid occupational exposure for anesthesiologists.

METHODS

We conducted a survey to investigate current practice patterns of anesthesiologists with special emphasis on the application of barrier precautions during invasive procedure; intravascular catheter insertion or endotracheal intubation.

RESULTS

In general, the compliance of hand hygiene practice was poor specifically immediately before or after performing invasive procedures; approximately two-thirds of the anesthesiologists were not performing hand washing. Despite most anesthesiologists have knowledge regarding the importance of maximal barrir precautions (MBP) during central venous catheter insertion, only a half of them did perform the MPB. Concerns for additional costs or time for anesthesia preparation, as well as poor arrangement for alcohol-based antiseptics handrubs in the operation room could be the factors affecting the poor compliance.

CONCLUSIONS

Anesthesiologists should change their practice to adequately apply appropriate aseptic barrier precautions including hand hygiene. Improvement of the medical payment system to cover the costs for infection control in the operating room should also be considered.