Joint ASA/AAAA Statement on Infection Control in Anesthesia

Recently reported lapses in proper drug administration techniques have resulted in needless and preventable transmission of infectious disease during anesthetic care. This is highly regrettable and unacceptable professional conduct. As professionals dedicated to the provision of safe anesthesia care, we take this opportunity to emphasize our commitment to optimal patient safety and to speak out regarding the importance of infection control procedures.

Not only do we do not condone unsafe infection control practices, but we adhere to standards requiring the highest level of care in infectious disease prevention (http://www.asahq.org/publicationsAndServices/infectioncontrol.pdf). Together, we recognize that everyone involved in patient care needs to be well educated in the control and prevention of infectious disease, as well as, the strict adherence to all infection control practices.

Professionals who cut corners in healthcare services, risk not only the health of their patients, but the credibility of their profession - a profession where the guiding adage is "Do no harm." To do any less undermines the sacred trust that we have been given as healthcare practitioners. It is every healthcare provider's responsibility to serve as a guardian for every patient to whom they provide care.

Each of our organizations are united against poor infectious disease control practices. We invite all health care professionals to take a stand with us and adopt stringent infectious control standards and create an open forum for making infectious disease control a top priority in all healthcare settings.

Together in care,

Jeffrey L. Apfelbaum, M.D.
President
American Society of Anesthesiologists

Deborah A. Lawson, AA-C
President
American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants

May 2008