Introduction of universal precautions in a psychiatric hospital--The Riverview Hospital experience

Despite a large and rapidly growing body of knowledge concerning the human immunodeficiency virus and treatment of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases in general hospital settings, there is a dearth of information about the care of those psychiatric patients who might be at high risk for exposure to the virus and, hence, at high risk for contracting the illness. This article deals with the approach taken by a large Canadian psychiatric hospital in educating staff and clients about AIDS, and to the development of a comprehensive Universal Precautions system to supplement existing infection control protocols.