Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an ABSL-4 Laboratory: 3. Aerobiology
Published on: October 3, 2016
Safety and Communication in the Operating Room: A Safety Questionnaire After the Implementation of a Blood-Borne
Introduction:
The Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) decreases patient morbidity and mortality and improves operating room (OR) communication. However, the SSC does not currently include any discussion on employee safety. One institution has implemented a blood-borne pathogen exposure (BBPE) checkpoint in the SSC in order to improve employee safety and to further improve communication. The aim of this study was to determine if the implementation of a BBPE checkpoint improved caregiver safety and communication in the OR.
Methods:
This was a multidisciplinary prospective survey study in which an anonymous questionnaire was distributed to all OR personnel who handle sharps. Survey responses were analyzed for demographics and BBPE safety attitudes. The frequency of reported BBPE incidents collected from quality improvement data 12 months before and after the implementation of the BBPE checkpoint were reviewed.
Results:
Caregivers feel safer in the OR with the BBPE checkpoint (p < 0.001). Communication was improved. Compliance in trauma surgeries was less than elective. Reported BBPE incidents were significantly decreased based on quality improvement data (p = 0.045).
Conclusion:
The BBPE checkpoint was implemented in the SSC at one institution in order to emphasize employee safety and improve communication. The results shed light on the attitudes of OR personnel by suggesting an improvement in safety and communication. In addition, there has been decrease of reported BBPE incidents among OR personnel. Universal implementation of a BBPE checkpoint could improve provider safety and communication in all ORs.
More Related Videos
09:54Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an ABSL-4 Laboratory: 1. Biosafety Level 4 Suit Laboratory Suite Entry and Exit Procedures
Published on: October 3, 2016
09:36Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an ABSL-4 Laboratory: 4. Medical Imaging Procedures
Published on: October 3, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Survey Safety
Household Wiring And Electrical Safety
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process II: Planning and Implementation
The Born-Haber Cycle
Communication
Communication