1 - Surgical Dress

Summary

Dr. Rachel Kataro, a surgeon at the University of Alberta and member of the Surgical Infection Society, introduces a video series on sterile technique in the operating room, aimed at reducing surgical site infections—the leading cause of unplanned post-surgery readmissions. The video features Stephanie, a medical student, demonstrating the proper steps for performing a surgical scrub. Dr. Kataro outlines essential preparation, including wearing clean scrubs, proper ID display, surgical cap, eye protection, mask, no jewelry, clean nails, and shoe covers. The instructional series is designed to be followed by a quiz on the SIS website to reinforce knowledge and ensure safe surgical practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ensure you have clean scrubs for the day and change them if they get soiled.
• 😀 Always tuck in your shirt to prevent the shedding of microbes or cells.
• 😀 Never wear your scrubs outside the hospital to avoid bringing environmental contaminants into the operating room.
• 😀 Keep your ID accessible and visible at all times while in the hospital.
• 😀 Leave food, backpacks, and lab coats outside the operating room.
• 😀 Wear a surgical cap to cover all your hair, and always wear eye protection to prevent infectious materials from splashing into your eyes.
• 😀 Always wear a mask when entering an operating room, especially when a sterile field has been established or a patient is being operated on.
• 😀 Avoid wearing jewelry, as it can harbor infectious microbes and potentially contaminate patients or scratch them.
• 😀 Keep nails clean, free of polish, and avoid artificial nails to reduce contaminants and avoid glove tears.
• 😀 Use shoe covers if your shoes have been worn outside the hospital to prevent contaminants from entering the sterile environment.

Q & A

Why is it important to wear clean scrubs for the day?

Wearing clean scrubs prevents the shedding of microbes or cells that could potentially contaminate the operating room. It is also important to change them if they get soiled during the day.

What is the reason behind tucking in the shirt into the pants?

Tucking in the shirt helps prevent any microbes or cells from shedding into the environment, maintaining a sterile setting in the operating room.

Why should you never wear scrubs outside the hospital?

Wearing scrubs outside the hospital brings environmental contaminants into the operating room, which can increase the risk of infection and compromise the sterile field.

What should you do if your scrubs become soiled during the day?

You should change your scrubs immediately to avoid contamination and maintain hygiene throughout the day.

Why is eye protection necessary in the operating room?

Eye protection is essential to prevent infectious materials from splashing into your eyes during surgery. Regular glasses are not sufficient, as materials can enter from the sides.

What should be done before entering an operating room?

Before entering, ensure you have your surgical cap on with all hair tucked in, eye protection, a mask, and have removed any jewelry. These measures help maintain a sterile environment.

What is the significance of wearing a mask in the operating room?

Wearing a mask is crucial when a sterile field has been established in the operating room, especially if instruments are open or a patient is being operated on. It helps prevent the spread of infectious agents.

Why is jewelry prohibited in the operating room?

Jewelry can harbor infectious microbes, and there is a risk of it falling into the sterile field or contaminating the patient. Additionally, jewelry can cause scratches that could harm the patient.

What should be done with nails before scrubbing for surgery?

Nails should be cleaned, free of polish, and without artificial nails. Artificial nails and polish can harbor contaminants and increase the risk of infection.

Why are shoe covers important when entering the operating room?

Shoe covers help prevent any contaminants from shoes, especially if they have been worn outside the hospital, from entering the sterile operating room environment.