A survey on prevention of surgical infections in operating theaters

It is well known that surgical site infections (SSIs) contribute significantly to the cost of nosocomial infections. Although many guidelines and recommendations exist, research has demonstrated that practices for preventing SSIs in operating theaters (OT) vary.

The purpose of this study was to describe the current infection control practices for SSIs, formerly called surgical wound infections, in OTs, and compare these findings with evidence-based practice guidelines.

In order to accomplish the purpose, a prospective, cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted. Data were collected by interviewing the charge nurses in 24 OTs of 11 hospitals in the city of Izmir, Turkey. The results were tabulated and compared with an evidence-based guideline.

Data showed that there is a lack of adherence to the guideline. The most compliant areas to the guideline were hand/forearm antisepsis and the use of surgical gowns and drapes.

It is suggested that increased compliance to infection control guidelines for surgical infections in OTs would facilitate providing best practice and evidence-based care. There is a need for further research to determine why there is a difference between what is practiced and what guidelines indicate should be practiced.