Infection control in anaesthesia in regional, tertiary and central hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal. Part 3: Decontamination practices

Authors

  • Raphael Anthony Samuel University of Kwazulu-Natal
  • Pragasan Dean Gopalan University of Kwazulu-Natal
  • Yacoob Coovadia Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital
  • Reshmi Samuel Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital

Keywords:

Anaesthetic equipment, contamination, infection control, anaesthesia

Abstract

Background: Anaesthetic equipment is a potential vector for the transmission of disease. This study was undertaken to observe current infection control practices among anaesthetic nurses regarding the decontamination of anaesthetic equipment in regional, tertiary and central hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal. Method: All hospitals that were classified as regional, tertiary and central hospitals on the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health website (15 in total) were visited. All available anaesthesia nurses were invited to participate in a structured interview. Results: Thirty-four anaesthesia nurses were interviewed. Results revealed that decontamination of anaesthetic equipment and other infection control practices were inadequate or inappropriate in several of the hospitals. Practices varied from one healthcare facility to another, as well as within the same facility. Conclusion: Current infection control practices among anaesthesia nurses regarding the decontamination of anaesthetic equipment in the observed hospitals are poor. In light of the high prevalence of many infectious diseases, in particular human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and tuberculosis in KwaZulu-Natal, it is critical that issues relating to decontamination practices are urgently addressed.

Author Biographies

Raphael Anthony Samuel, University of Kwazulu-Natal

MBChB, DA(SA), FCA(SA) Specialist Anaesthesiologist and Lecturer Department of Anaesthesiology King Edward VIII Hospital Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine University of KwaZulu-Natal

Pragasan Dean Gopalan, University of Kwazulu-Natal

MBChB, FCA(SA), CritCare(SA) Head of Department Department of Anaesthesiology Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine University of KwaZulu-Natal

Yacoob Coovadia, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital

MBChB, FCPath(Micro)(SA) Specialist Microbiologist Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital

Reshmi Samuel, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital

MBChB, DipHIVMan, FCPath(Viro)(SA) Specialist Virologist Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital

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Published

2012-10-29

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Section

Original Research