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Abstract
With widespread noncompliance to universal precautions well established, an experimental
study was designed to compare the rate of universal precautions--related behaviors
between nurses who participate in computer-assisted instruction. This study also explored
the relationship between rates of universal precautions--related behaviors and subjects'
demographic and experiential characteristics and history of occupational blood-borne
exposure.
Data were collected by using a questionnaire to elicit information as to subjects'
demographic and experiential characteristics and history of occupational blood-borne
exposure. The Universal Precautions Assessment Tool was used to gather data on rates
of universal precautions--related behaviors on two groups of registered nurses with
30 subjects per group.
By using analysis of variance, the null hypothesis was rejected. The intervention
used in this study did increase universal precautions--related behaviors. Multiple
regression was used to analyze the research question and none of the variables were
significant. Forty (67.8%) subjects reported receiving a needlestick or cut caused
by a needle or sharp that was actually or potentially contaminated with blood or body
fluids. Of these exposures, only one patient was known to be HIV antibody positive.
Replication studies using computer-assisted instruction interventions are needed as
are studies aimed at exploring other potentially effective interventions.