P056 ‘Infection control in anaesthesia: are sterile gowns necessary for spinal procedures? A review of the evidence’

<h3>Background and Aims</h3> Sterile gown use during spinal anaesthesia is standard in many UK centres, as recommended by the 2014 Association of Anaesthetists guidelines. However, this is not mandated by international bodies such as the ASA, ASRA, and the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society. Recent evidence, including a randomised controlled trial, found no significant difference in infection rates with or without gowns. The survey by the Association of Anaesthetists and the OAA also highlighted growing support for change. This survey evaluates current infection control practices in our trust and assesses anaesthetists’ receptiveness to revising gown use in light of emerging evidence.. <h3>Methods</h3> A short, structured survey was developed and distributed using the SurveyMonkey online platform. The questionnaire was designed to gather information on current practices and opinions regarding infection control measures during spinal anaesthesia, with a particular focus on the use of sterile gowns. The survey was disseminated via email to all anaesthetists currently working at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (WWL). A total of 34 responses were received <h3>Results</h3> Survey responses showed 100% compliance with hand hygiene and sterile glove use. Face mask usage was reported by 93.94% (31/33), while 90.91% reported wearing a sterile gown for spinal anaesthesia. Compliance with sterile gown use was slightly higher for epidural and combined spinal-epidural (CSE) techniques, at 96.97%. Interestingly, 44% of respondents expressed willingness to reconsider their current gowning practices in light of new evidence or updated guidance. <h3>Conclusions</h3> While adherence to basic aseptic techniques is high, the use of sterile gowns for neuraxial procedures may vary in practice and attitude. With nearly half of respondents open to change, there is a clear opportunity for re-evaluating current guidelines based on updated evidence and international comparison.