SURVEY ON THE DIFFUSION AND IMPACT OF A C ONSENSUS CONFERENCE ON SEPSIS FROM CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETERS IN A MEDICAL TEAM

Objectives: To assess the diffusion and the impact on the professional practices of a consensus conference (CC) by the French speaking Socie ty of Intensive Care on ''Central venous catheter-related sepsis in in tensive care'' Study design: Before-after survey with two successive q uestionnaires. Material and methods: Two questionnaires (Q1 and Q2) we re circulated either to intensivists (group 1) or to anaesthetists (gr oup 2) of a University Hospital, before (Q1) and after (Q2) distributi on of the CC conclusions. They aimed to assess the diffusion of the co nclusions by the CC; the professional practices before the CC and thei r modifications after consideration of the recommendations by the CC. Results: Out of the 55 consulted, 85% answered Q1, and 71% Q2. Among t hem, 42% were aware of the conclusions of the CC before starting the s urvey - 73.5% from group 1 and 28% from group 2. Therefore, conversely to anaesthetists, intensivists, did not significantly modify their pr ofessional practices after consideration of the CC conclusions. Conclu sion: This study shows a satisfactory diffusion of the content of jury 's recommendations among anesthetists whereas the impact was less sati sfactory with intensivists. The impact of a CC could probably be impro ved by a better diffusion of the consensus statements and by the inter vention of local linkmen.