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Anti-infective measures and Entonox equipment: a survey
R R Bajekal1, R Turner, S M Yentis
1Magill Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London, UK.
Anaesthesia
|January 29, 2000
Summary
Maternity units rarely follow guidelines for infection control with Entonox (gas for pain relief). Most delivery suites do not use filters or replace tubing between patients, increasing infection risk.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Anesthesiology
- Infection Control
Background:
- Guidelines exist for infection control in anaesthesia.
- Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland recommend filters or disposable systems.
- Entonox is commonly used for pain relief in labour wards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess adherence to infection control guidelines for Entonox equipment.
- To determine the use of anti-infective filters and disposable systems for Entonox in maternity suites.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 102 maternity suites.
- Data collected on Entonox equipment usage and infection control practices.
- Response rate of 98% (100 units).
Main Results:
- Only seven units reported using anti-infective filters.
- Only two units replaced tubing between patients.
- Widespread non-adherence to recommended infection control policies for Entonox.
Conclusions:
- Current practices in delivery suites do not align with recommended infection control guidelines for Entonox.
- There is a significant gap in the application of infection prevention strategies for Entonox equipment.
- Further implementation of guidelines is needed to improve patient safety.