Satisfaction Among RNs With Anesthetic Services at Srinagarind Hospital

Objective : To assess the level of satisfaction among all registered nurse(RNs) (excluding anesthetic nurses) with the provision of anesthetic service at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University,Thailand.Materials and Medthods : Using purposive sampling, we selected 200 RNs from all wards at Srinagarind Hospital. Questionnaires comprised of three parts: Part 1 - demographic and work place data; Part 2 - level of satisfaction among ward RNs vis-à-vis the provision of anesthetic service with focuses on: a) administration ,b) service , c) knowledge, and d) personnel; and Part 3 -2 open- ended questions. The reliability was 0.92.The data were analyzed by percentage , mean and standard deviation.Results: The satisfaction among RNs from all of the wards vis-à-vis the provision of anesthetic service was high, namely: a) administration 2.72 + 0.50; b) service 3.30 + 0.46; c) knowledge 2.90 + 0.45; and d) personnel 3.22 + 0.46. The open-ended questions indicated that RNs expected better communications and relationship amongst all of the members of the anesthetic team. They felt that the distributing of knowledge about anesthesiology was inadequate and would like to be better informed before serving postoperative patients.Conclusion: Overall RNs-satisfaction with anesthetic service in all wards was high (3.03 + 0.36). RNs valued good communications among the whole team and would like to be informed about each patient’s anesthesiology needs. In so doing, the RNs believed the delivery of anesthetic service would improve.Keywords: anesthetic service; registered nurse; satisfaction 

Bacterial Contamination of the Laryngoscope Blades After 4% Hibiscrub and 70% Alcohol Decontamination Under Plastic Bag Covering

Background: Contaminated laryngoscope blades may be the cause of respiratory tract infection in patients intubated under general anesthesia. In a previous study done at Srinagarind Hospital (2002)1, a high incidence of contaminated laryngoscope blades was found. Methods for effective cleaning of laryngoscope blades are needed to improve patient safety.Objective: To determine the incidence of microbial contamination of laryngoscope blades after decontamination with 4% hibiscrub and 70% alcohol with a plastic bag covering.Design: Descriptive studyMethods: We collected curved laryngoscope blades (number 3) after use in the surgery at Srinagarind Hospital between June 2004 and January 2005. All of the blades were sterilized with 4% hibiscrub followed by a wiping with 70% alcohol while covered with a plastic bag. Swabs samples were then taken by wiping a cotton bud along the base to the tip of blade then cultured. The results were recorded as positive or negative findings.Results: Ninety-nine samples from laryngoscope blades were collected. The incidence of positive findings among the sterilized laryngoscope blades after using the chemical method was 2.02 % (95%CI 0.25, 7.11) (2 samples). The organisms were Staphylococcus coagulase negative and Streptococcus spp. Contamination of laryngoscope blades used in the ENT operation room and the Gynecological operation room.Conclusion: Our technique for laryngoscope blade sterilization resulted in a low incidence of contamination (2.02%) . Consideration should be given this approach to sterilization, especially for patients with compromised immunity.Keywords: Contamination, laryngoscope blade, sterilization