Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 3, 2026
Ultrasonographic Assessment During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Published on: October 24, 2020
Noncompliance of health care workers with universal precautions during trauma resuscitations
A K Madan1, D E Rentz, M J Wahle
1Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, USA.
Background:
Universal precautions during resuscitations are mandated by hospital regulations. We documented adherence to universal precautions during trauma resuscitations at our level I trauma center.
Methods:
During trauma resuscitations, a medical student using an elevated viewing platform observed health care workers (HCWs) for the use of barrier precautions (BPs): gloves, masks, gowns, and eyewear. Only HCWs having direct patient contact were included. The purpose of the observation was not disclosed to those being observed.
Results:
In 12 resuscitations involving 104 HCWs, none had 100% compliance with BPs. Compliance rates for individual BPs were gloves, 98%; eyewear (any type), 52%; gowns, 38%; masks, 10%; and eyewear (with side protectors), 9%. Resuscitations in which bleeding was observed involved 59 HCWs with 38% compliance; only 2 used full BPs. No difference in compliance rates occurred during the study period.
Conclusions:
Experienced trauma care HCWs are cavalier regarding blood-borne disease exposure risks. Measures to encourage (or force) compliance are needed.
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