Needs Assessment Concerning Infection Control Measures in the Operating Theater

Abstract

Infection control practices eliminate sources of infection and help to protect client and health team from diseases. Infection control by methods of medical, surgical asepsis• and universal precautions is a maJor factor in preventing the spread of infection.

Since the majority of infections can be acquired in the OR, most preventive measures should be directed toward 3 primary areas ( l) preparation of the surgical patient, (2) technical and aseptic practice of the surgical team and (3) the maintenance of the surgical environment.

Postoperative surgical site infection continue to be a major source of morbidity and mortality for patients under-going operative procedures and is global in every hospital in the world. It is estimated that surgical site infection develops in 2-5% of the 16 million patient undergoing surgical procedures each year. They account for 24% of nosocomial infection in the United States.

Inadequate disinfection and sterilization measures, poor aseptic technique, contamination from the health team members and contaminated instruments, or solutions, or airborne introduction are potential sources of microorganisms, that contaminate the surgical wound (nosocomial SSis).

According to the American Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) patient outcome standards, protecting the patient from infection is a primary goal. Therefore, it becomes the responsibility of all persons rendering care to the patient during the perioperative period. Nurses in the operating theater play an important role in risk reduction by following aseptic techniques, by creating and maintaining a sterile environment before and during the surgical procedures.