Surgical team members’ compliance with and knowledge of basic hand hygiene guidelines and intraoperative hygiene

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to observe surgical team members’ compliance with basic hand hygiene and intraoperative hygiene guidelines during the anaesthetic and surgical procedure. A secondary aim was to investigate the team members’ knowledge and attitudes toward these guidelines. A structured observation schedule was designed to capture observational data on compliance with hygiene guidelines. A questionnaire was also designed to elicit written responses on attitudes, beliefs and knowledge about hygiene routines.

The results showed that the clinical procedures for basic hand hygiene and intraoperative hygiene were flawed in three areas. Hand disinfection before and after direct patient contact was incomplete. Secondly, the team members used gloves in an incorrect way. Thirdly, the scrub nurse did not always change sterile gloves after intraoperative skin disinfection before handling sterile instruments. The quantity of 0.5% chlorhexidine with 70% ethanol used varied and the mechanical performance of skin disinfection varied. Knowledge of hand hygiene routines and intraoperative hygiene routines among surgical team members is incomplete and adherence needs to improve. Regular routine observations and continuous feedback to all staff may be necessary to improve compliance and avoid deterioration of practice.