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Treating patients with smallpox in the operating room.
Amy Beasley1, Shelley Kenenally, Natalie Mickel
1Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
AORN Journal
|November 6, 2004
Summary
Healthcare facilities must prepare for biological threats like smallpox. This article offers a guideline for perioperative personnel on managing smallpox patients in the operating room (OR).
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health Preparedness
- Surgical Care
Background:
- Recent global events highlight the critical need for healthcare facilities to prepare for biological threats.
- Smallpox, a historically significant infectious disease, remains a concern due to potential bioterrorism or accidental release.
- Walter Reed Army Medical Center identified the necessity for a specific policy regarding smallpox patients requiring surgical intervention.
Observation:
- Perioperative personnel require specific knowledge regarding smallpox characteristics.
- A comprehensive understanding of smallpox history and current concerns is essential for effective management.
- The operating room (OR) presents unique challenges for managing patients with highly infectious diseases like smallpox.
Findings:
- This article provides a historical overview of smallpox.
- It details current concerns and characteristics of smallpox relevant to perioperative settings.
- A template policy for the care of smallpox patients undergoing surgery in the OR is presented.
Implications:
- The developed guideline aims to enhance the safety and preparedness of healthcare facilities for smallpox outbreaks.
- Implementing standardized policies can improve patient care and reduce transmission risks in surgical settings.
- This resource supports perioperative teams in confidently managing patients with smallpox, ensuring optimal surgical outcomes and infection control.