Infection prevention
were associated with a higher likelihood of glove perforation. Additionally, 68.58% of these perforations went unnoticed by practitioners.9 The risk of needlestick and sharps injuries underscores the importance of proper glove use. Theatre teams should exercise caution when handling sharp instruments and needles, using gloves as a barrier to prevent injuries and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. To mitigate the risks of needlestick and sharps injuries, healthcare facilities should implement the use of safety-engineered devices like retractable needles and needleless systems. Proper disposal of sharps in puncture-resistant containers, regular training for healthcare workers on safe handling techniques, and using appropriate protective gear (PPE), including high-quality gloves, are essential practices. Safe handling practices, such as using trays instead of passing sharps hand-to-hand, and establishing a reporting system for injuries to monitor and improve safety protocols, are also crucial. Developing NSI prevention strategies requires information about the characteristics of the equipment involved and the circumstances of the incident. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 62%–88% of NSIs are preventable. Meta- analysis studies have shown that training can significantly reduce the risk of NSIs. Therefore, understanding the injury risks associated with each instrument is crucial when creating NSI prevention strategies in surgical settings.10,11 Maintaining glove integrity is vital for
protecting both healthcare workers and patients from infections. Regularly checking for and replacing damaged gloves, using the appropriate gloves in high-risk procedures, and choosing high-quality, well-fitted gloves help ensure effectiveness. Removing jewelry that could cause
perforations and changing gloves regularly, especially after contact with infectious materials, further enhance protection. These practices collectively reduce the risk of
contamination and injuries, ensuring a safer healthcare environment. Recognising indicators of compromised gloves is crucial for maintaining safety standards.
Protecting staff Blood-borne pathogens (BBPs) are infectious microorganisms present in human blood that can be transmitted to others, causing various diseases. The primary concerns include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), although many other pathogens can also be spread through blood contact.12 According to the WHO, the risk of infection
from BBPs is proportional to the prevalence of the disease in the population and the nature and frequency of exposure. In 2000, the WHO estimated that approximately three million healthcare workers globally experienced percutaneous injuries, leading to 15,000 HCV infections, 70,000 HBV infections, and 500 HIV infections, with over 90% of these cases occurring in developing countries.13 Ensuring the safety of theatre staff from bloodborne viruses is paramount. Proper glove use serves as a crucial barrier against exposure, complementing other safety measures, such as vaccination and adherence to infection control protocols. Preventing SSIs remains a top priority
in operating theatres, leading to the establishment of numerous practices, often called “rituals”, some of which lack solid scientific evidence. The previous guidelines from the Healthcare Infection Society, published 20 years ago, sought to improve these practices. However, with new technologies and evidence emerging, an update to these guidelines is necessary. The revised guidelines, published in collaboration with the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, use methodology accredited by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). They aim to identify unnecessary practices, provide current evidence for various common practices in operating theatres, and highlight gaps in knowledge with recommendations for future research.13
Thus,
to ensure the safety of theatre staff from bloodborne viruses, it is important to consider these recommendations. For the theatre environment, it is important to
clean and disinfect clinical equipment, including anaesthesia machines, after each patient, and before the next patient arrives in the operating room. The anaesthesia room must also be cleaned and disinfected, especially any surfaces that come into contact with hands, before the next patient arrives.
Double gloving: is it necessary? The practice of double gloving is often debated. While it provides an additional layer of protection, its necessity depends on the specific procedure and individual preferences. The use of double gloving by healthcare
professionals is a practice aimed at enhancing safety and reducing the risk of contamination and infection. Double gloving involves wearing two layers of gloves, typically during surgical procedures or when handling high-risk patients. There are several benefits to double gloving.
Firstly, it provides an extra layer of protection against sharp objects and needle sticks, which can occur during medical procedures. This additional barrier can significantly reduce the
40
www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I July 2024
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
