Biosafety precautions in a speech pathology and audiology clinic from the public health system

Abstract

Purpose: Check the adoption of biosefety precautions in a Speech Pathology and Audiology Clinic at a university hospital of the public health system, in Belo Horizonte. Methods A descriptive crosssectional study of biosafety precautions adoption was conducted with Speech Pathology and Audiology undergraduates. We observed 100 sessions, chosen at random, in the five major areas of actuation: Language, Orofacial Motricity, Audiology, Public Health and Voice. A script inspection was used, based in NR32 of Ministry of Labour, with fifteen questions regarding hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, proper disposal of garbage and infectious material and disinfection of articles. A Biosafety Index was created in order to qualify aspects of biosafety services. Results: From the students observed, 4% had hand hygiene before treatment and 11% used gloves, 96% used and kept buttoned coat (93%), using appropriate clothing, closed shoes (99%), hair tied (81%) and cut nails (88%). Regarding the handling of the articles used during the sessions, only 25% were intended for disinfecting and 29% were divided between clean and dirty. The biosafety index was not different in relation to the area of actuation. Conclusion: Biosafety precautions were partially adopted by scholars, which enhances the risk of contamination of professionals and patients. It is necessary to invest in educational activities in the field of biosafety in order to create a collective consciousness in future professionals.