COMPLIANCE WITH UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS AMONG PHYSICIANS

This study characterized and assessed self-reported levels of complian ce with universal precautions (UP) among hospital-based physicians and determined significant factors associated with bath compliance and no ncompliance. The physicians (n = 322) were a subgroup of a larger stud y population of hospital-based health care workers recruited from thre e geographically distinct locations (n = 1746), and were survey using a detailed confidential questionnaire that assessed personal, work-rel ated, and organizational factors. Compliance with UP was measured thro ugh II items that examined how often physicians followed specific reco mmended work practices. Compliance was found to vary among the II item s: they were high for certain activities (eg; glove use, 94%; disposal of sharps, 92%) and low for others (eg, wearing protective clothing 5 5%; not recapping needles, 56%). Compliance with all Items was low (31 % to 38%). Stepwise logistic regression revealed that noncompliant phy sicians were likely to be age 37 or older, to report high work stress, and to perceive a conflict of interest between providing patient care and protecting themselves. Compliant physicians were more likely to b e knowledgeable and to have been trained in universal precautions, to perceive protective measures as being effective, and to perceive an or ganizational commitment to safety.