Kasmera (Nov 2003)
Application of Universal Precautions Against Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Study Carried out in Hospitals of the Venezuelan Social Security Institute
Abstract
In order to determine the application of Universal Precautions against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in hospitals belonging to the Venezuelan Social Security Institute, a survey was carry out with 155 nurses (male and female) and 94 physicians, including interviews with directors, epidemiologist and educational coordinators. It was observed that doctors had received less education in the handling of needles and other puncture-cutting objects (72,3%), codes of safe practice (67,0%), and procedures for putting on and taking off gloves than the nursing personnel (p 0.01). Of doctors, 61,0% referred to parenteral exposition to blood and corporal fluids of which only 38,8% was reported. Sharp cutting implements are disposed of in strong non-breakable recipients not designed for that purpose, and 50,2% of the needles were reinserted into their original sheaths before being discarded. Medical personnel who use gloves when attending patients with skin injuries were (91,9%) and when handling blood or fluids (87,5%). Only 35,3% use gloves when they place or remove venous lines. More than half of the personnel never use double gloves (61,4%). The nursing a nd medical staff wash their hands more frequently after contact with blood and corporal fluids (92,7%) than they do after taking off the gloves (87,9%). Both groups use more than one barrier of personal protection, however, a low percent use waterproof suits and ocular protectors (28,5% and 26,9% respectly). The hospitals do not have preventive programs, occupational medicine services, or records of accidents and treatment thereof after exposure. Only the use of gloves and hand washing are performed by the nursing and medical staff. Hospital management does not have a program for the application of Universal Precautions, for this reasons it is necessary to elaborate and apply such programs in these centers.
