Prevalence of use of infection control rituals and outdated practices: Education Committee survey results.

BACKGROUND

To better serve APIC membership, the National APIC Education Committee periodically conducts educational needs assessments.

METHODS

In the July/August 1995 issue of APIC News, the committee published a survey on the prevalence of infection control "sacred cows," practices considered to be outdated and ritualistic. A response was requested only from ICPs working in inpatient facilities. We asked ICPs which of the listed practices were part of their facility's infection control program, and whether they were interested in changing those that were. We also asked about the certification status of the program's manager (CIC vs non-CIC).

RESULTS

A total of 506 survey forms were completed and returned, with 74% from acute care only, 7% from long-term care only, 10% from acute and long-term care, and 8% from other types of facilities. Mean number of beds was 226. Infection control programs had existed for a mean of 15 years. Most respondents' facilities still engaged in infection control rituals. Fifty-eight percent of respondents were still doing total surveillance, 43% were still using reverse or protective isolation, and 11% were still subjecting employees with positive reactions to purified protein derivative of tuberculin testing to annual chest radiographs, to name a few. Certified respondents were significantly less likely to include outdated practices than were non-CICs for 11 of 15 practices (73%). CICs were no more likely than non-CICs, however, to be interested in changing any current rituals.

CONCLUSION

The Education Committee will use this information to plan future educational offerings.