Eye protection use in labor and delivery: a quality improvement project

Background
Research has shown the consistent use of eye protection during procedures, can reduce the risk of transmission of blood borne pathogens.  Despite these findings, eye protection use among nurses and providers during vaginal deliveries remains low. In a local labor and delivery department, it was found that only 20% of providers and 3% of nurses are utilizing protective equipment. 

Methods
    Eye protection use findings in the facility were discussed with nursing staff and providers via meetings, and e-mail.  The “All Eyes on Deck” campaign was initiated with includes making disposable eye protection available in every room, as well as all clinical staff required to say “eyes” to any clinician who is not wearing eye protection. The campaign was described to the staff at meetings and posters were made to reinforce the policy, and that staff was made aware that there would be repeat evaluation for compliance. 
 Results
    Preliminary results are reassuring with improved compliance by both nursing and physicians with the use of eye protection at time of vaginal delivery.  An overall rate of 56.6% compliance with eye protection utilization, which is further stratified to 32.4% of nurses and 76.2% of providers.  At this time no significant difference can be determined between pre and post-intervention, however we hypothesize that this may be due to our low sample size, we therefore are continuing to work on gathering more data.  With continued data collection, it is likely that a significant difference will be found.

Conclusions 
    Making equipment readily available and providing helpful reminders improves the use of eye protection during vaginal deliveries.